7 Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes for 12

The convenience of using a slow cooker, or crock pot, is undeniable when you're looking to prepare hearty, delicious meals with minimal effort. Crock pot chicken recipes are especially favored for their simplicity and the rich flavors they develop over hours of slow cooking. Today, we will delve into 7 easy crock pot chicken recipes perfect for feeding a family or a group of 12. These recipes are not only flavorsome but also cater to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at your table is satisfied.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are the epitome of comfort food, and when made in a crock pot, the flavors meld together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
• ¹⁄₄ cup flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk

Steps:

1. Place chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
4. Cut the biscuits into small pieces, toss with flour, then stir in the milk to form a thick dough.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged.
6. Continue cooking on high for an additional 1-2 hours until the dumplings are cooked through.

💡 Note: If your biscuits don’t cook evenly, you can broil them for a few minutes in the oven to achieve a golden top.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Perfect for parties or game days, this dip is quick to whip up and packs a flavorful punch.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs shredded chicken (can be cooked chicken or rotisserie)
• 2 cups cream cheese
• 1 cup hot sauce
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients except for ¹⁄₂ cup of cheese in the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is melted and mixed.
3. Top with the remaining cheese and cook until it’s melted.
4. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable crudites, or bread slices.

💡 Note: For an extra kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add some diced jalapeños.

Herb Chicken Stew

A warm stew with a bouquet of herbs makes for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in advance.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Adjust seasoning before serving.

💡 Note: For a thicker stew, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew in the last hour of cooking.

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and this slow cooker chicken recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it solution for your next taco night.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

Steps:

1. Add chicken to the crock pot with salsa and taco seasoning.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken in the pot, mix in beans and corn, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Serve with warmed tortillas, avocado slices, and your favorite toppings.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Transform the classic enchiladas into a comforting soup with this easy crock pot recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Optional toppings: cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot with your desired toppings.

Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Bring the flavors of India to your table with this effortless tikka masala recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup plain yogurt

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients except cream and yogurt into the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in cream and yogurt 30 minutes before serving.
4. Serve over basmati rice with naan bread.

💡 Note: For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken with some spices and yogurt overnight before cooking.

Chicken Riggies

A local favorite from Utica, NY, this dish is a unique blend of flavors perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 large jar (48 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup cherry peppers, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Steps:

1. Combine chicken, marinara sauce, cherry peppers, onion, garlic, basil, and oregano in the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
4. Toss with cooked rigatoni, and serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

To wrap up, crock pot chicken recipes are a fantastic way to save time while creating delicious, hearty meals that can easily feed a large group. From the comfort of chicken and dumplings to the exotic flavors of chicken tikka masala, these recipes illustrate how versatile chicken can be when cooked in a slow cooker. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply prepping for family dinners, these dishes are sure to please with their simplicity and flavor depth, ensuring you have more time to enjoy with your guests or family rather than being stuck in the kitchen.