Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s both simple and delicious. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked in a rich blend of seasonings, herbs, and your favorite vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal. It can be served over rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. It is a go-to recipe with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Effortless – Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Versatile – Serve it over rice, pasta, in sandwiches, or tacos.
- Healthy Option – A protein-rich meal with simple ingredients.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This crockpot chicken recipe is made with pantry-friendly ingredients:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and flavor.
- Garlic & Onion – Essential for depth of flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a fresh, tangy touch.
- Spices – Paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Lemon Juice – Enhances the taste with a subtle citrusy punch.
- Olive Oil – Helps keep the chicken tender and moist.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and don’t dry out as quickly as chicken breasts.
Don’t Overcook – Even in a slow cooker, chicken can get dry if cooked too long.
Add Dairy Later – If using ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream, add them in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.
Use a Liner – Slow cooker liners make cleanup effortless.
For More Flavor – Sear the chicken in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken
Creamy Crockpot Chicken – Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer version.
Mexican Style – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a taco filling.
BBQ Chicken – Swap diced tomatoes for BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
Lemon Herb Chicken – Replace tomatoes with lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme for a fresh flavor.
Buffalo Chicken – Toss in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dressing for a game-day favorite.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken
This slow cooker chicken is extremely versatile! Here are some great ways to serve it:
- Over Rice or Quinoa – A hearty and balanced meal.
- Tacos or Burritos – Wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.
- Sandwiches – Served on buns with coleslaw and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
- Salad Topping – Add to a crisp green salad for a protein boost.
- With Mashed Potatoes – A comforting meal with creamy mashed potatoes.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Let the chicken cool, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Put Raw Chicken in the Crockpot?
Yes! Raw chicken cooks perfectly in the crockpot, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it slow cooks.
Should I Brown the Chicken Before Slow Cooking?
It’s not required, but searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot adds extra depth of flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it for a bit longer. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How Do I Keep Chicken from Drying Out in the Crockpot?
Use chicken thighs, cook on low heat, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
Use two forks to pull the chicken apart or a hand mixer for a quick and easy shredding method.
Crockpot Chicken
Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s both simple and delicious. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked in a rich blend of seasonings, herbs, and your favorite vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously.
- Place them in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
- High: 3-4 hours
- Low: 4-6 hours
- Serve it as is, shred it for tacos, or add it to your favorite salad!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 266Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 102mgSodium 413mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 38g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final outcome
This Crockpot Chicken recipe is one you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile—perfect for easy weeknight meals or meal prep. Try it out and let me know how you like to serve it!
Try these other crockpot chicken recipes:
