5 Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes to Try Tonight

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, having a simple yet delicious meal option that requires minimal effort can be a game changer. Enter the crock pot or slow cooker, an appliance that allows you to throw ingredients together in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. Here are five easy crock pot chicken recipes you can try tonight, ensuring your evening meal is both effortless and flavorful.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Pasta

If you’re a fan of creamy, rich flavors, this is the dish for you:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet of dry Italian dressing mix
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup water
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp onion powder
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz pasta (like penne or rotini)
• Method:
  1. Add chicken breasts to the crock pot.
  2. Mix Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, water, garlic and onion powder, and Parmesan cheese together and pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
  5. Cook pasta separately, then combine with chicken mixture and serve.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Perfect for taco nights with a twist:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar of salsa (16 oz)
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • Juice of 1 lime
• Method:
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. Combine salsa, taco seasoning, and lime juice; pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
  4. Shred the chicken using two forks or a mixer, mix with sauce, and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Light and zesty, this recipe brings a burst of freshness:

• Ingredients:
  • 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• Method:
  1. Add chicken to the slow cooker.
  2. Mix all ingredients except heavy cream, pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Stir in heavy cream just before serving to thicken the sauce.
  5. Serve with rice or vegetables.

Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken

For those who enjoy a tropical twist in their meals:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz), juice reserved
  • ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
  • ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp corn starch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ red bell pepper, diced
• Method:
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper; pour over chicken.
  3. Add pineapple chunks and bell pepper.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Stir in the corn starch mixture to thicken the sauce before serving. Serve with rice.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwiches

A party pleaser that’s both easy and delicious:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
  • Buns for serving
  • Toppings like cheese, pickles, lettuce (optional)
• Method:
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the ranch mix on top.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Shred chicken with two forks, mixing with sauce.
  5. Serve on buns with desired toppings.

🔍 Note: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Incorporating these five crock pot chicken recipes into your cooking routine can make dinner preparation less of a chore. They provide a range of flavors from creamy and savory to sweet and tangy, catering to various tastes and preferences. With minimal prep work and the use of everyday ingredients, you can easily whip up a family-pleasing meal that seems to require much more effort than it actually does.

Can I use frozen chicken in a crock pot?

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Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a slow cooker, but ensure it’s fully cooked by using a thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How do I adjust cooking times for different quantities of chicken?

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Generally, if you double the amount of chicken, you might need to add 1-2 hours on low or 30 minutes to 1 hour on high.

What if my slow cooker gets too hot?

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If your slow cooker is too hot, consider reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe or using a heat diffuser or trivet under the pot.