Delicious Chicken Crock Pot Recipes for Every Craving
Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly cooked chicken, simmering in a rich and inviting sauce. With a crock pot or slow cooker, this dream becomes your everyday reality. Whether you're a fan of comfort food, want to experiment with different flavors, or simply need a convenient meal solution, these seven chicken crock pot recipes are not just easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. Each recipe promises a meal that's both satisfying and healthy, making your slow cooker the most valuable kitchen appliance for any home cook.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a classic American dish known for its creamy texture and hearty dumplings. Here’s how you can make it with your slow cooker:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Layer your chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, followed by herbs and seasoning. Pour over the broth, set to high, and cook for 4 hours. For the dumplings, combine the ingredients in a bowl and drop spoonfuls onto the stew after the initial cooking time. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s a Southwestern inspired soup that’s both light and full of flavor:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Optional toppings: Tortilla chips, avocado, cheese
Combine all ingredients (except toppings) in your crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks before serving and garnish with desired toppings.
Maple Dijon Chicken with Apples and Vegetables
For a delightful fusion of sweet and savory, try this recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup diced apples
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, broth, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place chicken, apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots in the cooker, pour over the sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
💡 Note: This recipe is particularly good in the fall when apples and sweet potatoes are in season, enhancing the dish's flavors.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
For a luxurious taste with minimal effort:
- Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Season the chicken, add all ingredients to the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the cream mixture. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. The result is chicken that's tender, infused with garlic and Parmesan.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Bring the flavors of India to your kitchen:
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
Marinate the chicken with yogurt, spices, ginger, and garlic. Add all ingredients to the cooker, excluding the cream, which you add during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure the sauce remains creamy.
Lemon Butter Chicken
A light, zesty dish for those who prefer their chicken tangy:
- Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, skin on
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Season the chicken, melt the butter in the cooker on sauté mode (if available) or a skillet, then add all ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
For those who enjoy a perfect balance of sweet and savory:
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Mix the sauce ingredients, place the chicken in the cooker, pour over the sauce, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add broccoli for the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
The versatility of a slow cooker or crock pot is unmatched when it comes to chicken recipes. These dishes offer an array of flavors, from the comforting classics to exotic international tastes, all with the convenience of minimal prep work. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these recipes provide delicious results that are hard to resist. The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to extract the maximum flavor from your ingredients, creating meals that are not only delightful but also healthy. Each recipe brings its unique twist to the table, ensuring that your meals remain varied and exciting.
Can I use frozen chicken in these recipes?
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your slow cooker, but ensure it’s fully submerged in liquid to prevent bacterial growth. Add extra cooking time if using frozen chicken.
What can I do if my dish is too watery?
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If your dish has too much liquid, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) or by removing the lid for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Can these recipes be adapted for an Instant Pot?
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Yes, most slow cooker recipes can be adapted for an Instant Pot. Adjust cooking times and use the pressure cook function, followed by natural release to ensure tender chicken.
