5 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes to Try Today

Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. They require minimal preparation and cook throughout the day, resulting in flavorful and tender dishes that are ready to serve when you are. Chicken, in particular, is a versatile and healthy protein that benefits greatly from the slow cooking process. In this guide, we’ll share five easy and delicious slow cooker chicken recipes that will transform your meal planning and make dinnertime a breeze. From classic comfort foods to unique flavors, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Ingredients for 5 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 8 small tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole

Recipe 2: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (16 oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound fettuccine, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked basmati rice (for serving)

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice (for serving)

Recipe 5: Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make 5 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the chicken.
3. Add the salsa, chicken broth, diced onion, and bell pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
6. Serve the shredded chicken in tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe 2: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the Alfredo sauce and heavy cream over the chicken.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred or slice it.
6. Stir the sauce well and return the chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Serve over cooked fettuccine and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

1. Place the chicken chunks in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the coconut milk and diced tomatoes over the chicken.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, curry powder, garam masala, ground turmeric, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve the chicken curry over cooked basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, and black pepper.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
6. Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve the chicken over cooked white rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Recipe 5: Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and minced garlic around the chicken.
3. Pour the chicken broth and olive oil over the ingredients.
4. Sprinkle with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Serve the chicken and vegetables on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley.

About the Main Ingredients

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile and lean protein that works well in slow cooker recipes. It absorbs flavors beautifully and becomes tender and juicy when cooked slowly over several hours. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are commonly used, but drumsticks and other cuts can also be used depending on the recipe.

Vegetables

Vegetables like onions, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes add flavor, texture, and nutrition to slow cooker chicken recipes. They cook down well over time, becoming tender and flavorful.

Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings are crucial in slow cooker recipes to ensure depth of flavor. Common spices used in these recipes include garlic, curry powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Each spice blend complements the chicken and vegetables, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Sauces

Sauces like Alfredo, soy sauce, and honey garlic provide moisture and flavor to the chicken. They help to create a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or with bread.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro are often used as garnishes. They add a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color to the final dish, making it more visually appealing.

These easy slow cooker chicken recipes are perfect for any occasion, offering a range of flavors and styles to suit your preferences. Try them out and enjoy delicious, hassle-free meals that everyone will love!