15 Crockpot Chicken Recipes for Set-It-and-Forget-It Dinners

Are you looking for delicious, easy-to-make crockpot chicken recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights? Look no further! A crockpot (or slow cooker) is a kitchen lifesaver when it comes to preparing flavorful, tender chicken dishes with minimal effort.

In this post, we’ll share a variety of mouth-watering crockpot chicken recipes that are sure to become family favorites. From classic comforting dishes like crockpot chicken and dumplings to globally-inspired flavors like crockpot chicken tikka masala, there’s something for everyone.

The best part? These set-it-and-forget-it crockpot chicken recipes require minimal prep work, making them ideal for busy folks who want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Simply toss a few ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a hot, delicious chicken dinner ready to enjoy.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. It’s packed with tender chicken, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that create a flavorful, mildly spicy chili. Just set it and forget it, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
3. Top with the onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is covered.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
7. Stir and serve hot.

Serve With: Cornbread or tortilla chips.

Drink With: A cold beer or iced tea.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon, and Potato Soup

A classic combination of creamy potato soup, smoky bacon, and shredded chicken makes this a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 lb potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the diced chicken, potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and bacon.
6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, then serve hot.

Serve With: A side salad or crusty bread.

Drink With: White wine or sparkling water.

3. Slow-Cooker Chicken Stew with Pumpkin and Wild Rice

This dish combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and sweet pumpkin for a delightful, hearty meal. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a comforting stew that’s both nutritious and delicious. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 3 cups pumpkin, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, wild rice, pumpkin, onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
3. Add the garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve With: A green salad or dinner rolls.

Drink With: Apple cider or a light red wine.

4. Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken and Black Bean Soup

This soup is bursting with bold flavors from tender chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a medley of spices. It’s a fiesta in a bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend meal. Let the slow cooker handle the cooking, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to enjoy with minimal effort.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, and garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is covered.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
7. Stir and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Serve With: Tortilla chips or cornbread.

Drink With: A margarita or cold beer.

5. Slow Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Chicken

This tangy and sweet dish features chicken simmered in a pineapple and bell pepper sauce, perfect for serving over rice.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Stir to combine and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Serve hot over rice.

Serve With: Steamed rice or fried rice.

Drink With: Green tea or a fruity cocktail.

6. Simple Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

This Simple Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe gives you tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection, this dish is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Just place the chicken in the slow cooker, set it, and let it cook while you go about your day. You’ll come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve chicken that pairs wonderfully with any side dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved

Instructions:

1. Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the onion and lemon inside the chicken cavity.
5. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, breast side up.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Serve With: Mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Drink With: A glass of Chardonnay or iced tea.

7. Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

This Slow Cooker Chicken Posole is a traditional Mexican soup that’s both hearty and flavorful. Made with tender chicken, hominy, and a rich, spicy broth, it’s the perfect meal for warming up on a chilly day. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare—just add the ingredients, set it, and let the flavors meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh lime, cilantro, and radishes for an authentic touch.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (25 oz) hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro and sliced radishes, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts, hominy, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Stir and serve hot, garnished with lime wedges, cilantro, and radishes.

Serve With: Tortilla chips or warm tortillas.

Drink With: Mexican beer or a refreshing agua fresca.

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This Italian-inspired dish features chicken braised in a tomato sauce with mushrooms, peppers, and herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
3. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve With: Pasta or crusty Italian bread.

Drink With: A glass of red wine or sparkling water.

9. Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

This classic comfort food is made simple in the crockpot. Savory chicken broth, tender dumplings, and shredded chicken come together for a satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, onion, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken with two forks.
5. Tear the biscuit dough into small pieces and drop into the slow cooker.
6. Cook until the dough is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Serve With: A side salad or steamed green beans.

Drink With: Lemonade or iced tea.

10. Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

This versatile chicken is cooked in salsa until tender and flavorful. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or topping salads.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and add the black beans.
4. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot in tacos, burritos, or over rice.

Serve With: Mexican rice or tortilla chips.

Drink With: A cold beer or margarita.

11. Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

This Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the garlic, when slow-cooked, turns sweet and mellow. This dish is perfect for garlic lovers and makes for an impressive dinner with minimal effort. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 40 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
2. Place the garlic cloves and lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, breast side up.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme.
5. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve With: Crusty bread and a green salad.

Drink With: A glass of white wine or sparkling water.

12. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This Indian-inspired dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with fragrant spices for a delicious and exotic flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all the spices.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Serve With: Basmati rice and naan bread.

Drink With: A chilled glass of lassi or white wine.

13 Easy Slow-Cooker Jambalaya

This vibrant, flavorful dish is packed with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and a medley of vegetables and spices. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of jambalaya with minimal effort. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, sausage, onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the shrimp and cooked rice.
5. Stir and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve hot.

Serve With: Cornbread or a green salad.

Drink With: A cold beer or iced tea.

14. Crock-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

The slow cooker makes it easy to create tender, flavorful chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal with minimal effort. Serve it over rice for a complete, satisfying dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. Mix the cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce in the slow cooker.
7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve hot over rice.

Serve With: Steamed rice and broccoli.

Drink With: Green tea or sake.

15. Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It combines the bold flavors of chicken enchiladas in a warm, comforting soup. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a delicious, satisfying meal. Top it with your favorite enchilada toppings for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Stir and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Serve With: Tortilla chips or cornbread.

Drink With: A cold beer or margarita.

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