Crockpot chicken dinner recipes are a go-to in my house, as they’re easy, nutritious, and great for meal prep. I’ve compiled 17 of the best chicken slow cooker recipes that are made with real ingredients, require minimal prep, and are ideal for busy days when dinner needs to make itself. From cozy classics like Chicken Wild Rice Soup to bold, fresh-flavored chicken dishes like Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken, these healthy slow cooker chicken recipes offer a variety of tastes, textures, and ingredients to suit all dietary and taste preferences.
Ingredient Highlight: Chicken
Chicken is an incredibly versatile protein that comes in many cuts (e.g. chicken thighs, skinless chicken breasts), is budget-friendly, and is a nutritionally beneficial addition to meals. Due to its fairly neutral flavor, chicken tastes great in many styles of cooking, including sheet-pan meals, casseroles, skillet dinners, and more.
Chicken is a complete protein and a rich source of B vitamins and some minerals, and the nutrients in it help with:
- Muscle building and repair
- Immune function support
- Improving bone health
Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Crockpot Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
This favorite takeout dish of mine is incredibly easy to make right at home in my slow cooker! I serve it over rice with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and Naan for a delicious dinner every time.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free
Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
My creamy slow cooker chicken wild rice soup is a lightened-up comfort food full of protein and veggies to keep you cozy! I like to incorporate homemade chicken broth into this soup, but packaged broth will work great, too. It’s also an amazing meal prep option, as it can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Nut-free
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
As a mom of many littles, there’s nothing better than a 5-minute prep time recipe for a filling weeknight dinner that never ceases to please the family. This saucy, spiced chicken is always a hit and can be served on tortillas, nacho-style, over rice, and more.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
This Hawaiian chicken brings major island flavor with a sweet-and-savory pineapple marinade and tender shredded chicken. I love how versatile it is, and how I can prep it ahead of time, store it in a freezer-safe container, and then add it right to my slow cooker at a later date.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken
Tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a rich homemade peanut sauce come together to create a delicious, takeout-inspired comfort dish. It’s nutritious and perfect for serving over rice, cauliflower rice, or pad Thai noodles.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Paleo
Salsa Chicken With Cilantro-Lime Crema
Inspired by Chipotle bowls, this salsa chicken is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and made with real food ingredients. While it is optional, I do recommend pairing it with cilantro-lime crema for extra creaminess and a hint of spice!
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free
Salsa Verde Chicken
With just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, this is the easiest salsa verde chicken ever to make (thanks to the crockpot). It’s mildly spicy, so it’s kid-friendly, too. Serve over cauliflower rice, as a Whole30 or Paleo meal, or wrapped in a tortilla as a taco.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, delicious, and easy to make in the crockpot, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for any holiday menu or gameday. Thanks to the smooth texture and amazing flavor-kick from the sauce, it’s so tasty you won’t even realize it’s dairy-free!
Dairy-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This hearty Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili takes just 10 minutes to prep and is naturally dairy-free. It’s full of protein and flavor and freezes well, making it great for weekly meal planning. I love topping it off with pinto, white, or black beans, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken (With Instant Pot Option)
This buffalo chicken is a dream-come-true dinner for busy weeknights. I can make it a hearty comfort food dish by serving the shredded buffalo chicken stuffed in a baked sweet potato, or keep it light and serve it on top of a bed of greens.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Creamy, cozy, and full of flavor, this Chicken Corn Chowder is an easy slow cooker recipe that I love enjoying during cold weather and the winter months. Top it with crispy bacon, herbs, goat cheese, or cracked black pepper.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free
Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew
Looking for a simple, budget-friendly recipe that can feed the whole family? This stew is just the thing for you! Made with 10 ingredients, it’s a true “set-it-and-forget-it” meal and tastes even better the next day!
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry
This Sweet Potato Chicken Curry is infused with a flavorful Indian-inspired spice blend and has everything you need in a meal – quality protein, healthy fats, and veggies. My favorite way to serve this curry is over a bed of sautéed cauliflower rice or brown rice.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs
These chicken legs are easy to make and pair perfectly with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. The spice blend is adapted from The Paleo Slow Cooker by Arsy Vartanian – originally a bit too sweet, so I swapped the honey for dates, used a Whole30 Dijon, and added smoked paprika for a more complex, balanced flavor.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
Inspired by traditional sloppy joes I grew up eating, this recipe is made with a unique yet oh-so-delicious twist! Served between two sweet potato rounds, these sliders make for a delicious and hearty meal and are a winner for the entire family.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This fuss-free Marry Me Chicken recipe is a simple take on the classic Italian-American dish, combining tender chicken and a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused sauce. It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free and provides 34 grams of protein per serving.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This pot pie soup is a hands-off version of a classic comfort food dish. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with chicken and veggies. Serve it alongside homemade biscuits for a cozy weeknight dinner.
When to Serve These Crockpot Chicken Dishes
One of the best things about these crockpot chicken recipes is that there’s something for every occasion! I’ll add them to my meal prep rotation, prepare them in advance for game days or potlucks, whip them up for holidays, and everything else in between.
Storage Directions
Each crockpot chicken recipe stores slightly differently, so I always refer back to each specific recipe card for exact storage instructions. In general, though, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For a longer-lasting option, I can store them in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Best Ways To Reheat
To enjoy leftovers, I warm them up in the microwave, oven, or stovetop. I’ve also been known to put leftovers back in the crockpot on warm and then serve once they’re heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Crockpots are designed to cook raw meat. Thanks to the high temperature and slow cooking time, they work well, cooking the chicken all the way through. To be extra careful, I’ll use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
The entire pot does not have to be filled to the top, but using enough liquid to submerge the meat helps it cook evenly and ensures it stays tender and juicy.
I recommend cooking chicken on a low setting to help prevent it from becoming tough or drying out.
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