23 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Easy Meals

Getting dinner on the table can be a hassle — we know you want a nice home-cooked meal without the effort. Thanks to your trusty slow cooker, you can create a delicious dish without the hassle.

Chicken and Crockpots are a match made in heaven, and most recipes only require a few minutes of prep time. Test out one of these slow cooker chicken recipes for easy and tasty meals your family won’t be able to resist.

Table of contents:

• Crockpot chicken breast recipes
• Easy Crockpot chicken recipes
• Crockpot chicken soup recipes
• Crockpot cooking FAQ

Crockpot chicken breast recipes

These Crockpot chicken breast recipes make tasty meals perfect for any day of the week.

1. Garlic Parmesan chicken

Nothing says comfort more than this loaded garlic Parmesan chicken recipe.

How to make it: 

1. Place 3 pounds of fresh chicken breasts into your 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
2. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
3. Cover and cook your chicken on high for three hours or low for six hours.
4. Top each chicken with a butter, mayo, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese mixture.
5. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Serve your Crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken breast over rice or roasted red potatoes.

2. Brown sugar pulled chicken

BBQ cuisine doesn’t have to be consumed only on holidays! This brown sugar pulled chicken recipe is simple yet delicious and your whole family surely won’t be able to get enough of it.

How to make it: 

1. Add 2 pounds of chicken breasts to your slow cooker with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Italian dressing, garlic powder and paprika.
2. Don’t forget to season your chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on high for four hours or low for six hours.
4. Shred your chicken breasts after they are done and add them to toasted potato buns.

Make sure you add a spoonful of cole slaw and drizzle barbecue sauce to complete your recipe.

3. Tuscan chicken

Transport your kitchen to Tuscany, Italy with this scrumptious Crockpot chicken recipe.

How to make it:

1. Place 1 to 2 pounds of chicken breasts in a slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, paprika and Italian seasoning.
2. Create your sauce by combining heavy cream, minced garlic, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour in your sauce and stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
4. Cover your Crockpot and cook on low for three hours or until your chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
5. After your chicken is cooked, add in 1/2 cup of fresh spinach to amplify your dish.

Serve your Tuscan chicken over your favorite pasta to complete your Italian meal.

4. Chicken marsala

If you are looking to spice up your Italian night, then this Crockpot chicken marsala recipe is for you.

How to make it:

1. Start off by greasing your slow cooker with cooking spray and seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Place your seasoned chicken into the Crockpot and top with mushrooms, minced garlic and marsala wine.
3. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for four to five hours until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove your chicken from the pot and begin thickening your sauce.
5. Combine water, cornstarch and heavy cream and add it to your slow cooker.
6. Place the chicken back into the slow cooker and cook on high for 20 minutes or until your sauce has thickened.
7. Top your chicken with parsley and serve over pasta with lemon wedges.

5. Bourbon chicken

Impress your loved ones with the delicious and rich flavors of this slow cooker bourbon chicken. It is recommended you use chicken thighs, but if you do decide to use chicken breasts, make sure to reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking them.

How to make it:

1. Start your bourbon sauce by combining soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon (of course), brown sugar, maple syrup, ginger and black pepper.
2. Place your chicken in a shallow dish and pour the sauce all over to coat each piece thoroughly.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for several hours (overnight is even better) to marinate the chicken.
4. Coat your Crockpot with cooking spray and place the marinated chicken at the bottom.
5. Pour the marinade on top of the chicken and add the slow cooker’s lid.
6. Cook your bourbon chicken on low for six to seven hours or two to three hours on high.
7. In a small bowl, create a slurry of cornstarch and water.
8. Add the bourbon sauce to a saucepan and warm it on medium-high heat.
9. Whisk the slurry into the sauce to thicken and create a glaze.
10. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and serve over rice.

6. Bruschetta chicken

Ditch the bread and create bruschetta chicken your family will love.

How to make it:

1. This Crockpot chicken recipe starts off by sprinkling the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
2. Next you’ll want to pour a can of petite diced tomatoes into your slow cooker.
3. Place your chicken breasts on top of the tomatoes and add minced garlic to each piece.
4. Cover your Crockpot and cook on high for three and a half hours.
5. After your chicken is cooked, add two pieces of sliced mozzarella cheese to the tops of each piece.
6. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
7. Create your bruschetta toppings by mixing chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, sun-dried tomato oil and balsamic vinegar.
8. Add a spoonful of the bruschetta mixture to your plated chicken and serve with your choice of pasta or rice.

7. Chicken Alfredo

Impress your family with a slice of Italy with this Crockpot chicken Alfredo recipe.

How to make it:

1. Add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, heavy cream, butter and chicken broth into a slow cooker.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken on high for two hours until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Add rigatoni and Parmesan to your Crockpot and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the pasta is tender. 
6. Transfer the chicken back to the slow cooker and toss it with the pasta and sauce.
7. Garnish your chicken Alfredo with parsley to complete your dish.

8. Creamy garlic chicken

Elevate your Crockpot chicken recipe with a mouthwatering creamy garlic sauce.

How to make it:

1. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear them in an oiled skillet until golden brown.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in your greased slow cooker.
3. Add your garlic cloves to the same skillet and cook until slightly golden.
4. Pour in your dry white wine to the skillet and simmer for one minute.
5. Drain your garlic wine sauce into the Crockpot.
6. Dump in your chicken broth and stir until the mixture is combined.
7. Don’t forget to add in thyme sprigs!
8. Cover and cook on high for four to six hours.
9. Create your creamy sauce by whisking together cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
10. Combine the slurry, whipping cream and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker 20 minutes before serving.
11. Cover and cook the chicken for 20 more minutes to let the sauce thicken.

Serve your creamy garlic chicken with mashed potatoes, pasta or rice.

Easy Crockpot chicken recipes

You can whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort with these easy slow cooker chicken recipes.

9. Maple mustard chicken

When it comes to easy Crockpot chicken recipes, this one takes the maple leaf. 

How to make it:

1. To create this slow cooker maple mustard chicken recipe you will need six boneless chicken breasts, maple syrup, ground mustard and tapioca.
2. Grease your slow cooker and add your chicken breasts.
3. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, mustard and tapioca to create your sauce.
4. Pour your mixture all over the chicken and make sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and cook on low for four hours.

Serve your Crockpot chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus.

10. Chicken piccata

One of the easiest Crockpot chicken recipes is chicken piccata, but the flavors are undeniable.

How to make it:

1. Start off by creating your coating mixture with all purpose flour, salt and pepper.
2. Dredge your chicken cutlets by dipping them in the flour mixture.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned.
4. Place the slightly fried chicken into your slow cooker along with the butter, lemon juice, chicken stock, dijon mustard, minced garlic and capers.
5. Add the cover and cook on high for three hours.
6. Remove the chicken from the Crockpot and set it aside on a plate. 
7. Create your sauce-thickening mixture with cornstarch and water, and add it to the cooking liquid. 
8. Add the cooked chicken back to the Crockpot and cook for an additional hour.

Serve your chicken piccata recipe over your favorite pasta or rice paired with mixed vegetables.

11. Buffalo chicken wings

Take your game day party to the next level with these Crockpot Buffalo chicken wings.

How to make it:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano and onion powder.
2. Bring the sauce to a boil and then simmer for five minutes.
3. Put your chicken wings into the Crockpot and pour the sauce all over.
4. Cook your buffalo chicken wings on high for two hours and then reduce the heat to low for an additional two hours.
5. Place the chicken wings on a prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
6. In a small saucepan, melt butter with a bottle of hot sauce to create a thick Buffalo sauce.
7. Brush the mixture onto each wing before serving.

12. Garlic butter chicken

For this dinner idea with chicken, you only need a few ingredients for a mouthwatering meal. 

How to make it:

1. Start off by placing chicken breasts or tenderloins in the middle of the slow cooker.
2. Add golden potatoes cut in wedges to one side and carrots to the other.
3. Create your seasoning mixture in a small bowl by combining butter, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, potatoes and carrots.
5. Cover and cook your garlic butter chicken on high for four hours or low for six to eight hours.

Serve and enjoy your tasty creation!

13. Chicken Caesar wraps

Build your own chicken Caesar salad but wrap-style for an easy lunch or dinner idea.

How to make it:

1. Start by adding your chicken breasts, chicken broth, creamy Caesar dressing, lemon juice and minced garlic to your slow cooker.
2. Toss to combine the chicken and the dressing mixture, then season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Cover the Crockpot and cook on high for three to four hours.
4. After the chicken is cooked, drain most of the liquid and shred the meat using two forks.
5. Pour in more Caesar dressing to boost up the flavor.
6. Place your slow cooker pulled chicken in a tortilla wrap and top with romaine lettuce and shaved Parmesan.
7. Roll them up and enjoy this delicious chicken Caesar wrap recipe.

14. Shredded Buffalo chicken sandwiches

Shredded Buffalo chicken sandwiches may sound difficult to make, but they’re actually very easy.

How to make it:

1. In your trusty Crockpot, add your chicken breasts, hot sauce, chicken broth, ranch mix and brown sugar.
2. Toss to coat thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover your Crockpot and cook on high for four hours or eight hours on low. Make sure to stir occasionally.
4. Shred your chicken using two forks inside the slow cooker or on a separate plate.
5. If you shred on an additional plate, return the chicken to the Crockpot and coat it with the sauce.
6. Add the pulled chicken to slider buns, and top with coleslaw and drizzled ranch.

15. Cilantro lime chicken

You only need five ingredients and a slow cooker to make a tasty meal your whole family will love.

How to make it:

1. In your slow cooker, add in salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice and cilantro.
2. Stir the sauce and add in your chicken. Make sure the chicken is coated well with the sauce.
3. Cover your slow cooker and cook your chicken for four hours on high. You can also cook on low for six to eight hours.
4. Once your chicken is done, grab two forks and shred your chicken.

Serve over rice or add to tortillas to complete your easy cilantro lime chicken dish

16. Sweet and sour chicken

While this sweet and sour chicken Crockpot recipe requires a lot of ingredients, it doesn’t need much effort.

How to make it:

1. Add chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, onions and carrots to your large Crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, create your flavoring by combining soy sauce, honey, white vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, garlic and chili sauce.
3. Pour your sauce all over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Put the lid on and cook on low for three to four hours or on high for one to two hours. Make sure the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
5. Remove the chicken and cut into cubes or shred it depending on your preference.
6. Whisk in cornstarch and pineapple juice into the Crockpot.
7. Thicken the sauce by cooking on high for 30 extra minutes.
8. Add the chicken and pineapple back into the pot to soak.

Serve your sweet and sour chicken over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.

17. Chicken fajitas

Kick your fiesta up a notch with healthy Crockpot chicken fajitas your guests will love.

How to make it:

1. Start off by placing your chicken in your slow cooker and season with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
2. Cook on low for four to six hours or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and cut into strips.
4. Add your chicken to lettuce wraps or tortillas and top with the peppers, onions and tomatoes from the Crockpot.

18. Lemon garlic chicken

Another healthy yet delicious slow cooker recipe involves lemon and garlic. These two ingredients balance out each other in a tasty way. 

How to make it:

1. To create the Crockpot lemon garlic chicken you will start by searing your meat until golden brown.
2. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to your Crockpot.
3. Add in minced garlic, onion, lemon juice and zest, thyme, low-sodium broth, salt and pepper. The recipe does call for sugar, but you can omit it to keep things on the healthier side.
4. Make sure you season with salt and pepper before you cover your Crockpot and cook on low for six to seven hours or high for three to four hours.
5. Add peas and cook for an additional two to three minutes.
6. Finish off your dish with lemon zest and lemon juice.

Crockpot chicken soup recipes

Nothing says comfort more than eating a warm bowl of soup. Test out of one of these Crockpot chicken soup recipes for the ultimate warmth.

19. Chicken tortilla soup

Who needs tacos on Tuesday when you can make a big bowl of Crockpot chicken tortilla soup? 

How to make it:

1. Combine chicken breasts, black beans, frozen corn, bell peppers, white onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt and chicken broth into your slow cooker.
2. Cover your Crockpot and cook on low for five to six hours or until your chicken is cooked and falling apart.
3. Grab two forks to shred your chicken and sprinkle in Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Cover and cook for five minutes to melt the cheese.
5. Create your own tortilla crisps by cooking slices of tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for three minutes.

Serve your soup with your tortilla crisps, avocado, sour cream, cilantro and lime on top.

20. Chicken noodle soup

The perfect meal no matter what is an old-fashioned bowl of chicken noodle soup. 

How to make it:

1. Start by adding your chicken breasts to your Crockpot and season with salt and pepper.
2. Next up is adding in your whole onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, minced garlic and bay leaf.
3. Pour in your chicken stock on top and cover your slow cooker.
4. Cook your chicken on high for two to three hours or low for four to six hours.
5. Remove your chicken, whole onion, bay leaf and rosemary.
6. Place your cooked chicken on a separate plate and begin shredding it with two forks or a hand mixer.
7. Cook your noodles on the stove according to the package directions.
8. Add your cooked noodles and shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
9. Stir your soup and cook on low for five minutes.
10. Pour in the remaining chicken stock until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve your soup and enjoy a bowl of homemade chicken noodle goodness.

21. Chicken tortellini soup

Adding tortellini to your chicken noodle soup elevates your favorite comfort food with minimal effort. 

How to make it:

1. Combine boneless chicken breasts, carrots, celery and thyme in a slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for six hours.
4. Shred the chicken and add in your tortellini.
5. Cook for 15 minutes or until tortellini is tender.

Serve and enjoy your chicken tortellini soup.

22. Creamy chicken soup

What happens when you take chicken noodle soup and add condensed cream? You create an easy and delicious meal!

How to make it:

1. Place skinless chicken breasts in a slow cooker with celery, onion, peas and carrots.
2. Pour in chicken broth and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
3. Sprinkle in chervil, chives, parsley and tarragon — don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover your Crockpot and cook on high for three to five hours or low for eight to nine hours.

Serve as is or, when your creamy chicken soup is done, you can add in noodles and season to taste.

23. Lemon chicken soup

Lemon chicken soup is a year-round favorite due to its rich flavors and extra warmth.

How to make it:

1. Start by cooking your chicken breasts in a skillet until golden brown.
2. Place your chicken in your slow cooker while stirring in onion, carrots, celery, thyme, minced garlic, rosemary, bay leaves and chicken stock.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover your Crockpot and cook on low for five to six hours.
5. Stir in your pasta and cook on high for another 30 minutes.
6. Add in your spinach, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Serve and enjoy the rich flavors of this lemon chicken soup.

Crockpot cooking FAQ

Cooking with a Crockpot isn’t rocket science — but it does require a close eye. Here are a few answers to common Crockpot cooking questions.

Simmering Crockpot cooking thoughts

When it comes to cooking in a Crockpot you are creating delicious dishes with minimal effort. Slow cooker chicken recipes include Buffalo chicken wings for game day or Tuscan chicken to transform your kitchen into an Italian getaway.

For all your Crockpot cooking needs, you can lean on Instacart. Receive your groceries at your front door to save time and get right to prepping. Place your online order today!

Disclaimer

Recipes listing cook times are approximate and we recommend using food thermometers to ensure safe cooked food temperatures. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness. Please refer to the USDA Safe Minimum Food Temperature Chart for further information.