When it comes to convenience and deliciousness, slow cookers are a game-changer in the kitchen.
They allow you to prep your meals ahead of time and let the flavors develop slowly over hours, resulting in tender, juicy dishes.
Chicken is particularly well-suited for slow cooking as it absorbs flavors wonderfully and stays moist.
Here are 21 of the best slow cooker chicken recipes that will make your taste buds sing and your kitchen time a breeze.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
A classic comfort food, this recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth.
Simply add chicken, carrots, celery, and onions to your slow cooker, top with biscuit dough, and let it simmer away.
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2. Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and savory, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, pour over chicken thighs, and cook until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick and sticky.
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3. Chicken Tikka Masala
Enjoy this Indian favorite at home with ease.
Chicken pieces are slow-cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric.
Serve with basmati rice or naan.
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4. Chicken Alfredo
For a creamy, comforting pasta dish, cook chicken breasts in a sauce of cream, garlic, and parmesan.
Serve over fettuccine for a classic Alfredo experience.
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5. Buffalo Chicken
Perfect for game day or any day, this spicy dish features chicken slow-cooked in buffalo sauce.
Shred the chicken and serve on buns with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
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6. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright and flavorful, this recipe combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the savory depth of garlic.
Add potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
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7. Chicken Enchiladas
This Mexican-inspired dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Cook chicken with enchilada sauce, onions, and spices, then roll in tortillas and top with more sauce and cheese before baking.
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8. Coconut Curry Chicken
Transport yourself to the tropics with this creamy coconut curry.
Chicken simmers in a sauce of coconut milk, curry powder, and vegetables, resulting in a fragrant and hearty dish.
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9. Chicken Cacciatore
An Italian classic, this dish features chicken cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
The slow cooker enhances the flavors, making the chicken incredibly tender.
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10. Teriyaki Chicken
This sweet and savory dish is a hit with the whole family.
Chicken is cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then served over rice.
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11. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Perfect for a cold day, this soup is hearty and nutritious.
Chicken, wild rice, and vegetables are cooked in a flavorful broth until tender and delicious.
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12. Chicken Pot Pie
This deconstructed version of a classic pot pie is easy and satisfying.
Cook chicken with potatoes, carrots, peas, and a creamy sauce, then serve with biscuits or pie crust on top.
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13. BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ideal for sandwiches, this recipe features chicken slow-cooked in your favorite BBQ sauce until it’s tender enough to shred.
Serve on buns with coleslaw for a perfect meal.
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14. Chicken Marsala
This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to make in a slow cooker.
Chicken breasts are cooked with mushrooms and Marsala wine, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
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15. Chicken Fajitas
Skip the skillet and let your slow cooker do the work.
Chicken, bell peppers, and onions are cooked with fajita seasoning, then served with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
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16. Chicken Chili
A hearty, spicy dish that’s perfect for a crowd.
Combine chicken, beans, tomatoes, and chili spices in your slow cooker and let it simmer all day.
Top with cheese and sour cream before serving.
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17. Chicken Parmesan
Enjoy this Italian favorite without the fuss.
Chicken breasts are cooked in marinara sauce, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Serve over spaghetti or on a hoagie roll.
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18. Chicken Stew
A comforting bowl of chicken stew is perfect for any night.
Combine chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a savory broth and let it cook until everything is tender and delicious.
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19. Greek Chicken
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this flavorful dish.
Chicken is cooked with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olives. Serve with rice or pita bread and a Greek salad.
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20. Chicken Stroganoff
A creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare.
Chicken is cooked with mushrooms, onions, and a sour cream sauce, then served over egg noodles.
Get the recipe here
21. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
This Creole classic is packed with flavor.
Chicken, sausage, okra, and spices are slow-cooked to perfection. Serve over rice for a hearty meal.
Get the recipe here
Tips for Using a Slow Cooker
- Layering: Place root vegetables like potatoes and carrots on the bottom where they can cook thoroughly. Meat and more delicate veggies go on top.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate and cook the food evenly.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Each time you lift the lid, you lose heat and increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Brown Meat First: While not always necessary, browning meat before slow cooking can add depth of flavor.
- Thicken Sauces at the End: If your dish needs thickening, add cornstarch or flour in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Slow cookers are a fantastic way to make meal preparation easy and ensure your chicken dishes are flavorful and tender.
Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or comforting, there’s a slow cooker chicken recipe for every palate.
Try these 21 recipes and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness that slow cooking offers.