Cooking with a crock pot is one of the easiest ways to prepare a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Among the many ingredients you can use, chicken is a versatile protein that lends itself well to slow cooking, absorbing flavors while remaining tender and juicy.
If you’re new to crock pot cooking, you may want to check out our creamy mushroom and spinach stuffed chicken recipe, which offers another delicious way to prepare chicken with minimal effort.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot for Chicken Recipes
Here’s why crock pot chicken recipes are a staple in many homes:
- Time-saving: Simply set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Health benefits: Retains more nutrients and requires less oil than frying.
- Enhanced flavor: Slow cooking helps deepen the flavors.
- Versatility: Suitable for everything from soups to full-course meals.
For an interesting twist, you might also explore our lemon butter garlic shrimp pasta recipe, which also takes advantage of the slow cooking process to infuse deep, rich flavors.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ketchup
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the crock pot.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch before serving if needed.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with rice or noodles.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
This Tuscan chicken recipe combines the richness of cream with the freshness of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
Preparation:
- Season the chicken and sear briefly in a skillet.
- Add the chicken to the crock pot along with cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Serve with pasta or crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Cooking chicken breasts in a crock pot ensures they stay moist and full of flavor.
Why Chicken Breast?
- Lean and healthy: High in protein and low in fat.
- Versatile: Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish.
- Meal prep: Cook a large batch and use it throughout the week.
Recipe:
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Add low-sodium chicken broth, butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Use in various meals throughout the week.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Chicken
This dish delivers incredibly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Directions:
- Mix the soup, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic, and onion powder.
- Pour over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
One of the simplest recipes you can make in a crock pot, requiring only three ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken gravy mix
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the crock pot.
- Pour the soup and gravy mix over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
This dish is known for its rich and flavorful sauce that will make you fall in love with it.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Paprika
Cooking Instructions:
- Sear the chicken in a skillet and place it in the crock pot.
- Whisk together the cream, garlic, and seasonings.
- Pour over the chicken and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Serve with pasta or rice.
101+ Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you’re seeking variety, there are over 101 slow cooker chicken recipes that cater to every taste.
Highlights:
- Whole chicken: Perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
- Chicken thighs: Richer in flavor and juicier than breasts.
- Ethnic flavors: Explore a range of cuisines, including Asian and Mediterranean.
- Low-carb options: Suitable for those on keto or other low-carb diets.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes with Minimal Ingredients
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. These recipes require only a few ingredients, making them budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
Example Recipe:
- Ingredients: Chicken thighs, onions, garlic, chicken broth.
- Instructions: Brown the chicken, sauté the onions and garlic, place everything in the crock pot, and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
FAQs: Common Questions About Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
- How long does it take to cook chicken in a crock pot?
- Generally, 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Can I cook frozen chicken in a crock pot?
- It’s recommended to thaw chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the crock pot?
- Browning is optional but adds extra flavor.
- What’s the best type of chicken to use in a crock pot?
- Both breasts and thighs work well, depending on the desired texture.
- How can I prevent the chicken from drying out in the crock pot?
- Use sufficient liquid, and avoid overcooking.
- Can I add vegetables with the chicken in the crock pot?
- Yes, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are ideal.
- Is it safe to leave a crock pot on all day?
- Yes, crock pots are designed for long, slow cooking and are safe to leave on.
- What sides go well with crock pot chicken recipes?
- Mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or fresh salads.
Conclusion & Final Tips
Crock pot chicken recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. They offer a versatile way to prepare meals that are both flavorful and healthy. By experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, you can create a wide range of dishes that will satisfy any palate.