20 Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes
I’ve collected my best crockpot chicken recipes, all in one place! These easy recipes are some of my favorites for getting delicious dinners on our table.
Crockpot Chicken Recipes are the Secret to Stress-Free Dinners!
It’s back to school season, and fall is coming, which means… time to break out the crockpot meals! I rely on my slow cooker often to make dinner, but especially so this time of year. There’s nothing better than a hot, comforting meal ready to serve at the end of a long day, with the prep work done ahead of time!
I’ve shared many easy crockpot recipes here at Kristine’s Kitchen because they are some of the meals that I cook most often for my own family. Many of my slow cooker recipes feature chicken because it’s a lean protein that’s versatile and kid-friendly.
Below you’ll find 20 of my best crockpot chicken recipes, including recipes made with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, a whole chicken and cozy slow cooker soup recipes. Which ones are you excited to try first? I’d love to hear in the comments section below!
Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes made with Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a kitchen staple in my house. I love how versatile they are, and with these crockpot chicken breast recipes we always have a tasty dinner idea at our fingertips. Below you’ll find sweet and savory Asian-inspired dishes, shredded chicken tacos and taquitos, warmly spiced Indian butter chicken, and more!
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a favorite in my house. Everyone loves the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, and it’s perfect for serving over rice. (Here’s my go-to method for how to cook rice.)
Whenever I need a really easy dinner, I add these Crockpot Chicken Tacos to our meal plan! Made with just 3 ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make. The best part is that everyone can assemble their taco plate just the way they like it.
Everybody needs a simple Crockpot Chicken Breast recipe in their back pocket, and this is mine. Chicken breasts are seasoned with a dry rub (my Chicken Seasoning works great here!) and then cooked until tender, ready for slicing and enjoying with your favorite side dishes.
I did not expect to love this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken as much as I do, but it is really just so good!! Picture a richly flavored, comforting chicken curry that’s warmly spiced but not spicy, with a touch of creaminess from coconut milk. Serve it with rice and naan for soaking up the delicious sauce!
My Crockpot Orange Chicken is a healthier version of the takeout favorite. This crockpot chicken recipe is a delicious make ahead meal!
I love making this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings when the weather turns cooler and I’m craving some hearty comfort food. In this recipe, a delicious chicken soup is topped with pillowy homemade dumplings. The dumplings cook right on top of the soup in the slow cooker!
It doesn’t get much easier than Crockpot Shredded Chicken! This moist and tender shredded chicken is perfect for meal prep. I like to use it to make chicken enchiladas, chicken salad and casseroles.
This Crockpot Chicken and Rice is delicious make ahead option when you’re craving a Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. With creamy rice and cheese, this crockpot chicken recipe is a comfort food favorite!
I make this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken on extra busy days that are jam-packed with kids’ sports and other activities. Slow cooking this crockpot pulled chicken in barbecue sauce makes it so tender and flavorful. I love that this recipe works great with both chicken breasts and chicken thighs!
My easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas recipe is such an easy way to make fajitas. Tender seasoned chicken breasts, bell peppers and onions cook together in the slow cooker. Serve in tortillas with some homemade guacamole!
With a delicious honey BBQ sauce, these Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are a favorite family dinner. Cook the chicken taquito filling in your crockpot, then wrap it up in tortillas with cheese, and bake. Crispy taquito perfection!
Easy Crockpot Meals with Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are perfect for cooking in the slow cooker because they always stay so moist and juicy. These crockpot chicken recipes are some of my favorites, starting with these creamy dreamy Tuscan chicken thighs!
Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs have been a longtime favorite of mine, this recipe is just so delicious! Seasoned chicken thighs are nestled in a creamy sauce with spinach and sun dried tomatoes.
This recipe takes one of my favorite side dishes, roasted potatoes and carrots, and incorporates it into an easy crockpot meal with juicy bone-in chicken thighs. Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is an ultra comforting meal that you’ll be glad to have in your rotation!
This Crockpot Chicken and Mushrooms is one of our favorite crock pot recipes for an easy weeknight dinner. Chicken thighs, mushrooms and orzo pasta all cook together into one super flavorful dish!
I’ve been making this Crock Pot Sesame Chicken recipe for my family for years. This recipe works great with chicken breasts or thighs. Serve it over rice with a vegetable on the side for a quick, tasty meal!
Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Recipes
Let’s be honest, the slow cooker was made for cooking cozy soups, low and slow all day! These crockpot chicken soup recipes are always eagerly slurped up by my crew!
My kids request this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner often, and I’m always happy to oblige! It’s the perfect comforting dinner to enjoy at the end of a long day. It’s also an easy, nourishing meal when you’re feeling under the weather.
When it comes to crockpot soups, this Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is a reader favorite! This recipe requires no chopping – you’ll love how easy it is to throw together!
When the weather cools down in the fall I start to crave this Crockpot White Chicken Chili. It’s a creamy, dairy-free white chicken chili recipe, ready for loading up with your favorite toppings.
Prep a batch of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew on a cold winter morning and you’ll be so glad you did come dinner time! With carrots and other root vegetables, it’s hearty and satisfying.
And Finally, How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker
One of my favorites for Sunday dinner, I love that I can cook a whole chicken in my crockpot. It’s the perfect make ahead meal for a lazy day.
My Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe makes the most flavorful, juicy rotisserie-style chicken. In this recipe, the chicken cooks with vegetables and I include instructions for how to make an easy gravy from the cooking juices.
Read more about how to use a slow cooker.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in a Slow Cooker
- How long to cook chicken in a crockpot: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will take 3-4 hours to cook on low or about 1.5-2 hours to cook on high. The cook time will vary slightly depending on how full your slow cooker is. Chicken is done when it cooks to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, measured with an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
- To keep chicken breasts from drying out in the slow cooker, be careful to not overcook them. Chicken thighs are a little more forgiving and can be cooked for longer periods of time.
- Try to fill your slow cooker at least half full when cooking chicken breasts for shredding or slicing. This helps the chicken to cook more evenly and helps to keep it from drying out.
- You don’t need much liquid when cooking chicken in a slow cooker because the meat will release some of its juices as it cooks, creating a flavorful broth. Just 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid is enough, although you may add more if you like. For all crockpot chicken recipes, always follow the recipe instructions for the best results.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in a Slow Cooker
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will take about 4-5 hours to cook on low, or 2-2.5 hours to cook on high. Bone-in chicken thighs are even more forgiving with longer cook times in the crockpot because the bone helps to keep the meat moist and juicy. If you are cooking bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 4-7 hours on low or 2-5 hours on the high setting.
- If time allows, sear your chicken thighs on the stove before cooking them in a slow cooker. Browning adds so much flavor! The exception is if you plan to shred your chicken thighs (to make BBQ chicken, chicken salad, etc.). In this case you don’t need to sear the chicken on the stove.
- You can use chicken thighs in recipes that call for chicken breasts, but you may have to increase the cook time slightly. Use boneless chicken thighs if you plan to shred the meat for tacos, etc.
Can you cook frozen chicken in a crockpot?
The USDA recommends that you thaw chicken before cooking it in a slow cooker. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can be a food safety risk. Slow cooking raises the temperature so slowly that frozen meat could stay in the “danger zone” long enough for bacteria to possibly multiply.
With that being said, many, many people do cook frozen meat in a slow cooker with no ill effects. You can make your own decision, based on what you are comfortable with. Read more about slow cookers and food safety.
If you also own an Instant Pot, you’ll want to check out these Instant Pot Chicken Recipes, too!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soup
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots*, 2 ½ cups
For the Dumplings
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk, whole milk is best
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Add the onion and butter to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle the dried thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper over the chicken breasts and add the bay leaves to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- When the cook time is almost done, make the dumpling dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Pour in the milk and melted butter and stir with a fork until the dough comes together. Put in the refrigerator for a few minutes while you shred the chicken.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Set aside. Remove the chicken to a clean plate or bowl. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir the cornstarch slurry and frozen vegetables into the slow cooker and put the lid back on. If you had been cooking on low, switch the slow cooker to the high setting because the dumplings need to be cooked on high.
- Shred the chicken. Stir the shredded chicken into the slow cooker.
- Working quickly so as to not have the lid off of the slow cooker for too long, scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of the dumpling dough and place in a single layer on top of the soup in the slow cooker. There may be some space in between the dumplings; they will expand some as they cook. Spoon a little of the broth over each of the dumplings. Cover and cook for 1 ½ – 2 hours on high, until the dumplings are cooked through. Serve.
Notes
- To use fresh vegetables (such as chopped carrots and celery) instead of frozen, add them to the slow cooker with the onion.
This is amazing!! Thanks for the great tips!
All delish!
I do not see a recipe included. Would love to try this!
Hi Kirstyn,
This post is a collection of many crockpot chicken recipes. You can click the recipe name links to go to the individual recipes. I hope you find some new favorites!