5 Mouthwatering Chicken Crockpot Recipes for Easy Dinners
If you're looking to streamline your dinner preparations while still delivering delicious meals, nothing beats the simplicity and flavor of cooking with a crockpot. Here, we present to 5 mouthwatering chicken crockpot recipes that not only promise an effortless cooking experience but also ensure your family's taste buds are left delighted. Let's dive into these easy-to-make, comforting dishes.
1. Creamy Garlic Chicken
For those nights when you crave something indulgent yet simple, this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is your go-to. Here’s how you can prepare it:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
To Cook:
- In the morning, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken into the crockpot. Add garlic, broth, cream, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
💡 Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
2. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup. Here’s how you can have this ready at dinnertime:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado for serving
To Cook:
- Combine all ingredients except for the tortilla chips and toppings in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Before serving, shred the chicken in the pot with two forks.
- Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.
3. Honey Lemon Chicken
Brighten up your dinner table with this tangy and sweet Honey Lemon Chicken. Here’s what you need:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
To Cook:
- Whisk together honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme in a bowl.
- Place drumsticks in the crockpot and pour the honey mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, basting occasionally with the sauce.
💡 Note: This recipe is excellent with rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce.
4. Chicken and Mushrooms
If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, this Chicken and Mushrooms dish will be right up your alley:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
To Cook:
- Layer chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Top with onions and mushrooms.
- Mix soup, wine or broth, and garlic powder, then pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
5. BBQ Pulled Chicken
For an all-American taste, try this BBQ Pulled Chicken which can be used in a variety of dishes:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
To Cook:
- Combine BBQ sauce, vinegar, broth, Worcestershire, sugar, and chili powder in the crockpot.
- Add chicken and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken with forks, mix with sauce, and serve on buns or over rice.
These recipes are just the start of what you can achieve with your crockpot, providing meals that are both comforting and convenient. Whether it's a creamy garlic delight, a tangy soup, or a sweet and tangy chicken, the slow cooker helps you create dishes that are full of flavor with minimal effort. Remember, the beauty of crockpot cooking lies not only in its simplicity but also in how it can transform the most basic ingredients into something truly special. Experiment with these recipes, make them your own, and watch as dinner becomes the easiest and tastiest part of your day.
Can I use frozen chicken in these recipes?
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken for crockpot recipes. Ensure it’s fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and consider adding an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
How can I make these recipes healthier?
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Opt for low-sodium broth or cream substitutes, reduce sugar, and incorporate more vegetables to increase the nutrient content and make the meal lighter.
What if my crockpot has a delay start function?
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If your crockpot has a delay start feature, you can prepare the meal in the morning and have it ready by dinner time. Just ensure that perishable ingredients like chicken remain refrigerated until the cooking begins.