Crockpot Chicken
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, then let me introduce you to crockpot chicken. This recipe is all about simplicity and convenience, without sacrificing taste. Imagine coming home after a busy day to the delicious aroma of tender, juicy chicken waiting for you. The best part? You just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do all the hard work. It’s the perfect solution for hectic weeks, lazy weekends, or anytime you just want a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can use this chicken in so many ways—serve it with rice, toss it in a salad, or make tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Budget-Friendly: Chicken is an affordable protein, and this recipe doesn’t require anything fancy.
Quick and Easy: Once you add everything to the crockpot, you’re free to go about your day while it works its magic.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning to your taste or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a party, this dish is sure to please everyone. The chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Ingredients in Crockpot Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tender, juicy chicken:
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless work best for a tender and easy-to-shred texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic, savory depth.
Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
Chicken Broth: This is the base that makes the chicken cook beautifully, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Olive Oil: Adds a bit of richness to the chicken, helping it cook to perfection.
Herbs and Spices: I recommend a mix of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika for a nice balance of flavors. You can also add oregano, rosemary, or any of your favorites!
Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end gives the chicken a zesty brightness that takes it to the next level.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the onion and garlic. Set them aside along with the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other herbs you like. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it makes all the difference!
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot. Scatter the garlic and onion over the top. Pour the chicken broth and drizzle olive oil over everything.
Cook to Perfection: Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Shred the Chicken: Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. You can mix the chicken back into the juices for extra flavor.
Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shredded chicken and give it a quick stir to combine all the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: approx. 250
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-8 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken
This crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways you can serve it:
Serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Shred the chicken and use it in tacos, wraps, or burritos for a fun, customizable meal.
Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a light yet satisfying dish.
Add it to soups, pasta dishes, or sandwiches for a flavorful protein addition.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end—it brightens up the whole dish.
If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for a quicker meal, but low and slow gives the best result.
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the crockpot for a one-pot meal.
Leftovers make for amazing chicken salads, wraps, or even chicken soup!
FAQs
1 Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to extend the cooking time by about an hour or so, depending on your crockpot.
2 Can I make this with bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just be sure to remove the bones before serving.
3 What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use water, though the chicken broth adds a lot of flavor. Alternatively, you can make your own broth with bouillon cubes.
4 Can I cook this on high if I’m in a rush?
Yes! You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is always the best option for tender, juicy chicken.
5 How long can I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
6 Can I use other types of meat?
You can try this recipe with pork or beef, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
7 Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes! Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers all cook beautifully in the crockpot along with the chicken.
8 How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
9 Can I skip the shredding step?
You could serve the chicken whole, but shredding it allows it to absorb all the flavorful juices.
10 Can I use store-bought seasoning?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, you can use a premade seasoning mix for convenience.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken is a true game-changer for busy days when you still want a flavorful, home-cooked meal. It’s simple, versatile, and full of possibilities. Whether you’re serving it as the main course or using it in other dishes, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your weekly rotation. Throw everything in the crockpot, sit back, and let the magic happen—you’ll be enjoying delicious, tender chicken in no time!
PrintCrockpot Chicken
Crockpot chicken recipes offer a convenient and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken dishes with minimal effort. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can infuse your meals with rich flavors while freeing up time for other activities. Here are some popular crockpot chicken recipes to inspire your next meal:
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 4-6hrs
- Total Time: 4hrs 10min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Various
Ingredients
**For Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
**For Crockpot Tuscan Chicken:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
– 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
**For Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Chicken:**
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
– 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
– 6 ounces Italian salad dressing
– 2/3 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons malt vinegar (optional)
– 1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
Instructions
**For Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:**
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Optional: Thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan, bringing it to a simmer, and cooking until reduced. Serve over the chicken.
**For Crockpot Tuscan Chicken:**
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Before serving, stir in chopped fresh spinach until wilted. Serve over pasta or rice.
**For Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Chicken:**
1. In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture and place them in the slow cooker.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, Italian salad dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, flour, and malt vinegar (if using) until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
6. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. Serve over cooked angel hair pasta.
Notes
– **Cooking Tips:**
– For all recipes, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consumption.
– Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; adjust as necessary.
– For creamier sauces, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
– **Serving Suggestions:**
– Serve these dishes over cooked pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauces.
– Garnish with freshly chopped herbs or additional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
– **Storage:**
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Enjoy these delicious and hassle-free crockpot chicken recipes that are sure to become family favorites!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
