5 Easy Grilled Chicken Crockpot Recipes You'll Love

When summer rolls around, the allure of firing up the grill can hardly be resisted. However, there's something to be said about the effortless magic of slow cooking, particularly when it comes to tender, juicy grilled chicken. Integrating these two techniques can elevate your meal planning, saving you time while delivering mouth-watering results. In this article, we're going to dive into five delectable grilled chicken recipes you can easily prepare using a crockpot. These recipes are perfect for those who love the taste of grilled chicken but wish for the convenience of slow cooking.

1. Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken

Start with a basic, yet incredibly flavorful grilled chicken recipe. This Citrus Herb version is all about zesty, fresh flavors that complement the smoky goodness of grilling.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
6. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot with remaining marinade to keep it moist during transport or for further cooking if needed.

🍋 Note: This recipe works well with chicken thighs or drumsticks too, just adjust cooking times as necessary.

2. BBQ Grilled Chicken

Who can resist the caramelized, smoky layers of a well-grilled BBQ chicken? This slow-cooked version brings the same depth of flavor with the added benefit of convenience.

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces of chicken (mix of thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix BBQ sauce, vinegar, honey, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side for initial charring.
4. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
5. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender.

3. Mediterranean Chicken with Olives

Mediterranean cuisine offers a wonderful combination of flavors, especially when it comes to grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
3. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side to get nice grill marks.
4. Transfer to the crockpot. Add olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and lemon slices.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

🍆 Note: Serve this with some roasted vegetables or over couscous for an authentic Mediterranean flair.

4. Garlic and Lemon Grilled Chicken

This recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. Garlic and lemon infuse the chicken with robust, yet refreshing flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer.
4. Grill on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
5. Transfer to the crockpot for further cooking if needed or to keep warm.

5. Spicy Chipotle Lime Chicken

For those who love a little kick with their chicken, this recipe packs a punch with chipotle peppers and a splash of lime.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken breasts
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 3 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
• Juice of 2 limes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and marinate the chicken with this mixture for at least an hour.
3. Grill on high heat for 4-5 minutes per side to sear.
4. Transfer to the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld while keeping the chicken moist.

Incorporating these grilled chicken crockpot recipes into your weekly meal plan not only simplifies your cooking process but also adds a delightful twist to your typical chicken dishes. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution, these recipes are designed to deliver robust, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Each dish brings something unique to the table, from the zesty Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken to the fiery Spicy Chipotle Lime Chicken. Remember, the key to great grilled chicken is not just the grilling but also the preparation and slow cooking which lock in the flavors.