23 Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes - Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes! (2024)

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These Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes are ready to come to the rescue on busy weeknights. Give your oven the night off, because I’m sharing some of my best healthy chicken recipes that you can make in your slow cooker.

23 Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes - Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes! (1)

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Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

I’m always looking for new crock pot and slow cooker recipes, and chicken is one of my most-loved ingredients. Whether I’m buying chicken breast, chicken thighs, or drumsticks, chicken is lean, it’s cheap, and it always comes out of the crock pot ultra tender and juicy. Below, I’ve rounded up my best crock pot chicken recipes for you to try. Add your ingredients to the pot, set it to cook, and come home to the coziest home-cooked chicken dinner.It’s perfect for weeknights!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Crockpot Recipes

I like to think of slow cooking as the culinary equivalent of the saying “Look, ma, no hands!” And I always turn to my crock pot whenever I’m after the juiciest chicken with the least amount of effort. Here’s why you’ll love these recipes:

  • Time-saving. Slow cooker chicken recipes are a great way to gain back hours of your day. Come home to a warm chicken dinner that’s ready to serve, without even having to touch a pot or pan. Using the slow cooker also means there’s hardly any cleanup.
  • Great for meal prep. A crock pot is the best appliance to have when it comes to weekly meal planning. You can even prepare and store recipe ingredients ahead of time using airtight containers or bags. Then just dump and cook!
  • Freezer-friendly. Did I mention that crock pot recipes are a dream for meal prep? Many of the chicken dinner ideas below are perfect to make in bigger batches, and leftovers are easy to freeze for future meals.

Crock Pot vs. Slow Cooker: What’s the Difference?

So, “crock pot” and “slow cooker”, potato, potato, am I right? Well, not quite. It’s true, both terms are often used interchangeably, and both appliances have very similar MOs: slow cookers and crock pots cook food by simmering over long periods. The main difference is that Crock-Pot® is a brand name for a style of slow cooker. Not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots.

Crock pots have a stoneware crock, whereas a slow cooker is a pot that sits on top of a heating element. Crock pots also have two settings: High and Low, while slow cookers sometimes have multiple. No matter which type of slow cooker your countertop is rocking, it’s more than perfect for the chicken recipes below.

23 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

You’re sure to find a new family favorite in the chicken recipes below. These crock pot recipes are healthy and full of flavor (I won’t settle for anything less!), and ready for a spot at your dinner table.

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24. Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili

This hearty and healthy chicken chili is one of my most-requested recipes. And it’s no wonder why – toss all the ingredients in the crock and leave it to cook low and slow. Come back to the most flavorful homemade taco chili!

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25. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe

Make the most flavor-filled chicken tacos with the least amount of prep. Toss tender chicken breast into the crockpot along with salsa and taco seasoning, and within hours you’ll have succulent, shreddable chicken that’s ready for tortillas!

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26. Slow Cooker Chicken and Sausage Creole

Bring the taste of New Orleans to your table with this easy slow cooker recipe brimming with Creole-inspired flavors. Made with chicken simmered for hours along with juicy Andouille sausage in a rich and zesty tomato broth. Serve it for Mardi Gras celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a southern kick!

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27. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken with Black Beans and Corn

This fiesta-worthy chicken recipe is bursting with flavor thanks to savory salsa, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Serve it over rice or in tacos for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for Mexican night.

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28. Crock Pot Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks

For a kid-friendly, easy chicken dinner, look no further than this recipe for chicken drumsticks slow cooked in a mouthwatering maple Dijon marinade. The meat literally falls off the bone, and you barely have to lift a finger!

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Enjoy all the rich, savory flavors of a traditional North African dish, made right in the slow cooker. We love the contrast of sweet prunes, briny olives, garlic, and ginger in this easy homemade tagine with fall-apart chicken thighs.

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30. Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Get a load of the Asian-inspired flavors in this honey sesame chicken recipe! This easy crock pot chicken is sweet, savory, spicy, and perfect to serve over rice for a tasty dinner that basically cooks itself.

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31. Crock Pot Chicken a la Criolla

The crock pot is my first choice when making this insanely flavorful chicken a la criolla. This is a traditional Latin recipe made from boneless chicken thighs stewed with veggies, olives, herbs, and spices in a savory tomato broth. Cozy and comforting!

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32. Slow Cooker Lemon Feta Drumsticks

Prepare your tastebuds for a Mediterranean vacation! These easy crock pot chicken drumsticks are slow cooked with fresh lemon and herbs, then topped with salty feta cheese. It’s a simple recipe with only 5 ingredients, but it’s anything but simple in terms of flavor.

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33. Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken

This is another Southwestern-style slow cooker chicken recipe that you’ll want to make on repeat. Basic pantry ingredients come together in this flavorful Santa Fe chicken loaded with sweet corn, beans, and spices.

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34. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot)

"Set it and forget it" with this spicy crock pot chicken recipe inspired by buffalo chicken wings. We love spooning this saucy chicken into leafy lettuce for low-carb wraps. It’s perfect for light dinners or make-ahead lunches!

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35. Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

A classic Italian dish gets a weeknight makeover with this delicious crock pot chicken cacciatore. Slow cooking really lets all those delicious, saucy tomato flavors develop, rounded out with tender bell peppers, onion, and herbs. Serve this easy chicken recipe over pasta or rice and dig in. Prego!

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36. Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

All the spicy flavors you love about an enchilada, wrapped up in a cozy chicken soup recipe. This recipe combines chicken, chipotle, and veggies into a savory, warming crock pot soup that’s nourishing to boot.

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37. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Instead of wrapping your chicken enchilada fillings up in tortillas, wrap them up in a baked sweet potato! These low-carb loaded sweet potatoes are easy to make, topped with juicy chicken slow-cooked in spicy enchilada sauce, plus sour cream, chives, and cheese.

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38. Easy Shredded Harrisa Chicken

This easy chicken recipe cooked in jarred Moroccan harissa sauce comes out perfectly every time in the crock pot. Set your ingredients to slow cook in the morning, and have the most savory, aromatic chicken ready to shred in the evening!

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39. Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Black Bean Taco Salad

Tender chicken and black beans bring loads of protein and fiber to this easy crock pot recipe. Make this shredded Mexican-style chicken ahead and serve it over fresh greens with cheese for easy taco salads all week long!

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40. Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Thighs

I call this recipe embarrassingly easy, but there’s absolutely no shame in this 2-ingredient, zesty crock pot salsa chicken! It’s the perfect family-friendly weeknight meal that comes together with zero effort. Serve this chicken over salads or rice, in tacos, or as-is. You can’t beat it.

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41. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

I never run out of ways to turn this crock pot salsa verde chicken into delicious, healthy meals, whether it’s tacos, burrito bowls, tostadas, and more. This recipe couldn’t be easier to make, too. Simply throw chicken breasts into the crock with jarred salsa and spices, cook, and enjoy!

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42. Slow Cooker Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili

You have to try this paleo chicken chili inspired by the zesty, zingy flavors of a favorite pub appetizer! This easy, healthy crock pot chicken chili recipe is everything we love about jalapeño poppers, wrapped up in a comforting bowlful.

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43. Chipotle Chicken Zucchini “Fideo” Soup (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

Fideo soup is a bit like Mexico’s spicier answer to chicken noodle soup, and one of my family’s favorite meals. I’ve swapped the noodles in this easy chicken soup with fresh zoodles for a low-carb variation that’s just as full of flavor. Top your bowls with queso fresco, avocado, and fresh cilantro. You won’t be disappointed!

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44. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This spicy crock pot buffalo chicken dip is exactly what your next game day party or happy hour needs! A few health-conscious ingredient swaps make this easy dip recipe a low-carb appetizer that’s perfect for dipping everything from crackers to crudités.

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45. Braised Chicken Drumsticks in Tomatillo Sauce

There are many ways that you can make this simple yet savory braised chicken recipe, but the crock pot is by far my favorite! Combine your chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker with tomatillo sauce, jalapeños, herbs, and seasonings, then let the magic happen.

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46. Chicken Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja is Spanish for “old clothes” – one look at this classic Cuban dish made from shredded meat and vegetables tossed together in a colorful heap, and you’ll see why! I’ve traded traditional shredded beef for lean chicken, and kept all those healthy, tender-crisp vegetables in this easy crock pot chicken dinner.

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More Common Questions

How long does it take to cook chicken in the crock pot?

Most chicken recipes will take between 6-7 hours to cook on low, and 3-4 hours on high. Low and slow is always the first choice, especially with cuts like boneless chicken breast. Your chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF at the thickest part of the chicken.

Can I put frozen chicken in the crock pot?

No, you should never use frozen chicken when slow cooking. While it’s safe to cook raw (thawed) meat in the slow cooker, the frozen chicken won’t come to temperature quickly enough, risking foodborne illness. Always, always defrost your chicken pieces completely prior to placing them into your crock pot.

Is it safe to leave a crock pot unattended?

Yes, that’s what it’s made for! It’s safe to switch on your crockpot in the morning before you leave the house, or before you head to bed at night, and leave it to cook unattended. That’s the beauty of the slow cooker.

Healthy Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken

Turning these easy crock pot chicken recipes into a satisfying family dinner is easy. Here are some of my best chicken sides:

  • Rice –Chicken recipes pair nicely with wholesome Brown Rice, Instant Pot Rice or low-carb Cauliflower Rice
  • Veggies –Serve chicken with a vegetable side of Roasted Green Beans, Herb Roasted Carrots, or Roasted Broccoli.
  • Potatoes –We love saucy crock pot chicken served alongside Garlic Mashed Potatoes or an Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato.
  • Salad – Try these recipes with a side of fresh Broccoli Salad or Quinoa Salad with Kale.

More Crock Pot Dinner Ideas

2

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Pear Soup

8 hrs 5 mins

10

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich with Caramelized Onions

9 hrs 20 mins

4

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu

4 hrs 15 mins

6

Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

2 hrs 5 mins

23 Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes - Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes! (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Is it healthy to cook chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, if you use them correctly. The slow cooker cooks foods slowly at a low temperature, generally between 170 and 280 degrees F, over several hours. The combination of direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam, destroys bacteria making the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low? ›

We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

Should chicken be covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

Cover and cook. Place the cover on the slow cooker and turn it on to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. You do not need to add any liquid. Chickens today typically have some solution added, so they rarely need added liquid.

How long is too long for chicken in crockpot? ›

However, there is a limit to how long you can cook chicken in a slow cooker. After 10 hours, the chicken will start to dry out and become tough. If you want to cook chicken in a slow cooker for 10 hours, it's best to use a recipe that calls for chicken breasts or thighs.

Is it OK to put frozen chicken in the crockpot? ›

Information. It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

Why is my slow cooker chicken rubbery? ›

Overcooking chicken and buying woody chicken breast are two of the main causes behind rubbery chicken. You can stop this from happening by: buying “slow-growing” chicken. cooking your chicken in moisture.

How long can you leave chicken in slow cooker on low? ›

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

How do you keep chicken from drying out in a slow cooker? ›

To prevent poultry from drying out, use chicken thighs—they have more fat and won't dry out as quickly, says Finlayson. Cook thighs for about 6 hours and breasts for a maximum of 5 hours on low heat.

What cut of chicken is best for slow cooker? ›

Best suited to stews, curries, barbeques or bakes, chicken thighs benefit from slower cooking times that tenderise the meat while infusing plenty of flavour. If you've got a slow-cooker, then using it to cook chicken thighs is a great idea.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Is chicken breast or thigh better for slow cooker? ›

Use chicken thighs or leg meat over chicken breast

We've come to love chicken thighs over chicken breast in general because they have more flavor and don't dry out as quickly. The same holds true in the slow cooker. Whether you go boneless or bone-in is up to you, but bone-in will have more flavor.

How long to cook 1 pound of chicken in crockpot? ›

Place the chicken and stock, broth, or water in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Cook the chicken. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and registers an internal temperature of 165°F, 4 to 5 hours on the LOW setting, or 2 to 3 hours on the HIGH setting.

How long does it take to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

You should thaw meat or poultry before putting it in a slow saucepan. Slow cookers can take several hours to reach a safe sterilization temperature. Continuous refrigeration ensures that bacteria that multiply rapidly at room temperature will not be "preempted" in the first few hours of cooking.

Is it OK to cook vegetables with raw chicken? ›

Cooking raw chicken and vegetables in the same pan is generally safe as long as proper food safety practices are followed. Here are some important points to consider: Cooking Temperatures: Both chicken and vegetables need to reach a safe internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.

Can you cook from raw in a slow cooker? ›

You aren't searing your meat first. If you're throwing raw meat straight into your slow cooker, know that there are better ways. Kornblum tells SELF that while, yes, you technically can slow-cook with raw meat, you won't get your best results this way.

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