5 Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipes You'll Love

Slow cookers, commonly known as crockpots, are a lifesaver for anyone looking to prepare delicious, hands-off meals. With their "set it and forget it" functionality, they make meal planning incredibly simple, especially for busy individuals or families. In this post, we'll explore 5 easy chicken crockpot recipes that are not only flavorful but also require minimal preparation. These recipes are perfect for any level of cooking skill and will surely become staples in your kitchen.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken

When you want to impress with minimal effort, this Honey Garlic Chicken is the way to go. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• ¹⁄₃ cup honey
• ¹⁄₃ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Follow these steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot.
3. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Imagine a creamy, flavorful sauce enveloping tender chicken pieces. Here’s how you can make Creamy Tuscan Chicken at home:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs chicken breasts
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup spinach
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan

Preparation steps:

1. Add all ingredients except spinach and Parmesan into the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir in spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking to wilt.
4. Once done, sprinkle Parmesan over the top before serving.

🌟 Note: Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother sauce.

3. Salsa Verde Chicken

This recipe is perfect for those who love tangy and spicy flavors. Here’s what you need:

• 4-6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde
• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Steps to prepare:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Pour the salsa verde over the chicken, followed by the chilies and seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.
5. Serve as tacos, on salads, or with rice.

4. Chicken and Dumplings

Comfort food doesn’t get better than chicken and dumplings. Here’s how to make it:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• Bisquick or homemade dumpling mix

Steps to follow:

1. Add all ingredients except the dumplings to the crockpot.
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, break it up with a fork.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mix on top of the chicken mixture.
5. Cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until dumplings are cooked.

🌟 Note: Adding more broth or water might be necessary if the mixture becomes too thick.

5. BBQ Pulled Chicken

For a fun, BBQ twist, here’s how to make BBQ Pulled Chicken:

• 4-6 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Preparation steps:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix back into the sauce.
5. Serve on buns, in tacos, or as sliders.

In wrapping up our journey through these delightful crockpot chicken recipes, it's evident that with minimal effort, you can enjoy rich, flavorful meals that cater to various tastes. These recipes not only simplify the cooking process but also introduce you to an array of flavors from sweet and tangy to creamy and savory. The beauty of the crockpot lies in its ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to serve to guests, these recipes are versatile, tasty, and guaranteed to please. Embrace the convenience and start exploring the possibilities of slow cooking today!

Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

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Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure it’s fully cooked. Also, ensure it’s safe to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker by following food safety guidelines.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe?

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You can use coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter or dairy-free alternative. Remember, the taste and texture will change slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.