Are you tired of the same old boring dinner routine? Look no further! Crock pots are a busy cook’s best friend, and when combined with the versatility of chicken, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious and healthy crock pot chicken recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From comforting stews and soups to flavorful fajitas and curries, there’s something for everyone on this list.
We’ll start with some classic favorites, like Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables and Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli. Then we’ll move on to more adventurous options, such as Crock Pot Honey Mustard Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple. And don’t even get us started on the international flair of recipes like Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole and Crock Pot Chicken and Chickpea Tagine.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these crock pot chicken recipes are sure to impress. So grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
Tender chicken breast smothered in a bright and citrusy lemon garlic sauce, paired with a medley of colorful vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker; top with vegetables.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Crock Pot Chicken and Quinoa Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of protein-rich chicken, nutty quinoa, and flavorful vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection in the comfort of your Crock Pot. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, quinoa, mixed vegetables, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and thyme to the Crock Pot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe is a twist on traditional tortilla soup, with the added bonus of being easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this slow cooker version is perfect for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
– Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Place chicken, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn kernels, cumin, and chili powder in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Add tortilla strips to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook chicken and broccoli with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 can of cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe combines the rich flavors of honey, mustard, and spices to create a deliciously easy meal that’s perfect for a busy day. With minimal prep time, this slow cooker dish is a great way to enjoy tender chicken and sweet potatoes in one convenient pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, sweet potatoes, honey, mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) / 3-4 hours (High)
Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole is a perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful wild rice, and savory spices, all slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty Crock Pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. Add the chopped onion, mixed vegetables, garlic, and wild rice to the Crock Pot.
3. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the ingredients in the Crock Pot.
4. Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
5. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Kick-start your meal prep with this nutritious and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 whole wheat tortillas for serving
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
4. Assemble fajitas by placing cooked chicken mixture onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chicken and Spinach Curry
This recipe is a perfect blend of Indian-inspired flavors and comfort food, made easy with the help of your Crock Pot. The result is a tender chicken and spinach curry that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the Crock Pot.
2. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and spinach.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice, naan, or with some crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. By slow-cooking chicken breasts with balsamic vinegar, mushrooms, and herbs, you’ll create a rich and tangy sauce that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, onion, mushrooms, garlic, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chicken and Lentil Soup
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious soup recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, lentils, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and thyme to a Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Cooking Time:
– Low setting: 6-8 hours
– High setting: 3-4 hours
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Chili
This hearty chili recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients, packed with lean chicken, fiber-rich black beans, and a hint of spice. Let your slow cooker do the work as you enjoy a warm, comforting bowl on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Mix in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt (optional).
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Crock Pot Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl
A flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This Crock Pot recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, while still delivering a delicious result.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 heads of cauliflower
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 tsp of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite toppings (e.g. diced tomatoes, avocado, feta cheese)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in the Crock Pot.
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut into small florets.
3. Add the cauliflower to the Crock Pot and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir well.
6. Serve hot, topped with your favorite ingredients (if using).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives and Artichokes
A flavorful and aromatic slow-cooked dish that combines the richness of chicken, the brininess of olives, and the tenderness of artichokes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with Greek seasonings
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, diced tomatoes with Greek seasonings, olives, artichoke hearts, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in chicken broth, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of tzatziki sauce (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Crock Pot Chicken and Kale Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients. It’s a simple and convenient meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes and cooked to perfection in your crock pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, kale, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and thyme to your crock pot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This recipe is a nutritious and delicious twist on traditional stir-fries, using the convenience of a slow cooker to cook chicken and vegetables to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, bell peppers, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and olive oil.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with scallions, if desired.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chicken and Chickpea Tagine
This hearty tagine is a flavorful fusion of North African spices and comforting Crock Pot goodness, perfect for a cozy dinner. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious and aromatic meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the Crock Pot.
2. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.
3. Stir in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot over couscous or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple
A sweet and savory twist on traditional teriyaki chicken, this slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken breast with a rich pineapple-based sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped pineapple and green onions (if using).
4. Serve hot with steamed vegetables or rice.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chicken and Zucchini Noodles
This recipe is a quick and easy twist on traditional pasta dishes, using zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tsp of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
2. Slice the zucchinis into long, thin strips to create “noodles”.
3. Add the zucchini noodles on top of the chicken in the Crock Pot.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and zucchini noodles.
6. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
8. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Brown Rice Pilaf
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Brown Rice Pilaf: A nourishing and flavorful dish perfect for a busy day. This recipe is a great way to cook chicken, brown rice, and vegetables together in one pot, resulting in a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups brown rice
– 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, brown rice, water or broth, onion, garlic, and thyme.
2. Stir in mixed vegetables.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chicken and Butternut Squash Curry
Warm up with this flavorful and nutritious slow-cooked curry, perfect for a cozy evening or a busy day. Tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic spices come together in a deliciously comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken, squash, onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) in the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the world of delicious and healthy crock pot chicken recipes! This collection of 20 mouth-watering dishes will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your dietary goals. From classic comfort foods like slow cooker chicken and quinoa stew, to international flavors like crock pot chicken and wild rice casserole, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy, sweet, or savory, these easy-to-make recipes will become staples in your kitchen. So go ahead, throw all the ingredients into your crock pot, and let the magic happen!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
