15 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Slow cooker chicken recipes simplify your mealtime routine. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create delicious and comforting dishes that save you time and effort. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Using a slow cooker lets you enjoy tender, flavorful chicken while you focus on other tasks. From classic comfort foods to exciting new flavors, there’s a slow cooker chicken recipe to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you enjoy savory stews or spicy dishes, you will find plenty of options to please your family and friends.

1) Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Thighs

Moroccan-spiced chicken thighs are a tasty and simple dish. The blend of spices gives the chicken a wonderful flavor. You can use skin-on or skinless thighs, depending on your preference.

To prepare, coat the chicken with a mix of olive oil and Moroccan spices. You can include ingredients like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Then, place the chicken in your slow cooker.

Cook the chicken on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy. Towards the end, stir in olives and raisins for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup olives
• 1/2 cup raisins

Cooking Instructions

1. Coat chicken thighs with olive oil and spices.
2. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
4. Stir in olives and raisins near the end.

2) Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to make in a slow cooker. You’ll love coming home to the smell of this delicious meal after a long day.

To start, you need chicken thighs or breasts. The honey-garlic sauce is made using soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a few other ingredients that blend well together. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking times can vary. Generally, cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours or on high for about 2 to 3 hours.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.
5. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir in for the last 30 minutes.

3) Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Teriyaki chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dish to make in your slow cooker. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a tasty sauce that makes the chicken flavorful and tender.

To start, you can brown the chicken thighs in a pan for extra flavor. Then, place them in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Cook on low for about 5-6 hours or until the chicken is really tender.

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers in the last half hour of cooking. This adds color and nutrition to your meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Optional: broccoli or bell peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the chicken thighs in a pan.
2. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
4. Pour sauce over the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
6. Add vegetables in the last 30 minutes if desired.

4) Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and delicious dish that’s perfect for the slow cooker. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Start by adding chicken, heavy cream, and chicken broth to your slow cooker.

To enhance the flavor, include garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 3 to 5 hours (about 165°F or 74°C). When the chicken is done, shred it and return it to the pot with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.

Let it cook for another 30 minutes. Finish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup pasta
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken, heavy cream, broth, garlic, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 3 to 5 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and add cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.
4. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Serve with fresh parsley on top.

5) Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a delicious and easy dish to make in your slow cooker. You can prepare everything in just a few simple steps. Start with seasoned chicken and add your favorite toppings.

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Combine them with enchilada sauce, cheese, and black beans for added flavor.

After cooking, shred the chicken and roll it in tortillas. Top with more sauce and cheese before serving. You can enjoy these with sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 8-10 tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the enchilada sauce over it.
2. Add drained black beans on top.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 175-190°F or 80-88°C).
4. Shred the chicken and fill tortillas with the mixture.
5. Top with cheese and serve warm.

6) Warm Chicken Nacho Dip

Warm Chicken Nacho Dip is a delicious and simple dish to prepare in a slow cooker. It combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spices that create a fantastic flavor for dipping.

Start by mixing processed cheese, diced tomatoes with chilies, shredded cooked chicken, and sour cream in your slow cooker. You can also add jalapeños for an extra kick.

Cook on High for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. If you like, you can stir in black beans towards the end.

This dip is perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz processed cheese
• 1 can diced tomatoes with chilies
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on High for 1 to 2 hours.
3. Stir occasionally until cheese is melted and dip is hot.
4. If using, stir in black beans and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

7) Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker. You start by adding boneless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. This chicken simmers in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and ketchup.

You can enhance the dish by adding chopped bell peppers for extra color and taste. Cook on high for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours or low for 4.5 to 5.5 hours until the chicken is tender.

Once done, you can shred the chicken for a great texture. Top it with sesame seeds and green onions for a nice touch. This dish pairs well with rice or veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, and ketchup.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Add chopped bell pepper on top.
5. Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3.5 hours or low for 4.5-5.5 hours.
6. Shred the chicken and mix it in with the juices.
7. Serve with sesame seeds and green onions on top.

8) Whole Chicken with Herbs

Cooking a whole chicken with herbs in your slow cooker is simple and rewarding. The herbs add great flavor while the slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy.

You can use fresh or dried herbs for this recipe. Popular choices include rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Start by seasoning the chicken inside and out. Place it in the slow cooker on a bed of onions for additional flavor. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours (about 74-82 degrees Celsius) or on high for 3-4 hours (about 149-160 degrees Celsius).

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh or dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp fresh or dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chopped onions in the slow cooker.
3. Put the chicken on top of the onions.
4. Sprinkle with rosemary and thyme.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until done.
6. Ensure the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) before serving.

9) Chicken Gumbo with Shrimp

Chicken gumbo with shrimp is a tasty dish that comes together easily in your slow cooker. This recipe combines chicken, shrimp, and colorful vegetables for a hearty meal.

You’ll start with chicken thighs for flavor and add shrimp near the end so they stay tender. The mix of spices and the slow cooking create a rich, satisfying stew.

Serve your gumbo over rice for a complete meal. You can adjust the seasoning to fit your taste, making it just right for you.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups stewed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chicken thighs, onion, bell pepper, and celery in the slow cooker.
2. Add Cajun seasoning and chicken broth. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add shrimp.
5. Prepare rice according to package directions.
6. Serve gumbo over rice. Enjoy!

10) Chicken Stews with Vegetables

Chicken stews with vegetables are a comforting meal perfect for any day. They are easy to make in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Start with chicken thighs or breasts for tenderness. Add chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes for hearty goodness. Feel free to toss in some frozen peas at the end for extra color and nutrition.

A few herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste. You can use broth for a flavorful base. This dish is great served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 large potatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 95-100°C) or high for 4 hours (about 150-160°C).
5. Shred the chicken before serving, if desired.

11) Herb Chicken with Mushrooms

This herb chicken with mushrooms is a tasty and easy dish to prepare in your slow cooker. You can enjoy tender chicken infused with savory flavors.

To make this dish, start with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. These add a wonderful aroma and taste. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and make the meal hearty.

You can serve this dish with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Additionally, feel free to add your favorite vegetables if you want more variety.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Coat the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom.
3. Add mushrooms on top of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
5. Pour chicken broth over everything.
6. Cook on low for 6-7 hours (about 93-105 degrees Celsius) or high for 3-4 hours (about 149-160 degrees Celsius). Enjoy!

12) Submarine Roll Chicken

Submarine Roll Chicken is a simple and tasty dish you can make in your slow cooker. Start with chicken breasts cooked in flavorful sauces. It’s perfect for a quick meal after a busy day.

After slow cooking, serve the chicken on fresh submarine rolls. You can add toppings like lettuce and cheese for extra flavor. This dish is also great for game day or gatherings.

The best part? You can customize it with your favorite sauces or spices. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Submarine rolls
• Optional toppings: lettuce, cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes on top.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours (about 160°C) or on high for 3-4 hours (about 190°C).
4. Shred the chicken and serve on rolls with toppings. Enjoy!

13) Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar

Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar is a simple and tasty dish. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Just set it and forget it!

Start by placing boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Then, add your favorite Caesar dressing, which gives the chicken a fantastic flavor. If you like cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan on top.

You can cook it on low for about 6 hours (approximately 74°C) or on high for about 3 hours (approximately 93°C). Once done, shred the chicken and mix it well with the sauce.

This dish goes great with pasta or in sandwiches. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without much effort.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Caesar dressing
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the Caesar dressing over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and mix well before serving.

14) Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. You will love how the flavors blend as it cooks throughout the day.

To prepare, start by placing chicken, water, vegetables like celery and carrots, along with some seasonings into the cooker. Cook on low for about 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Afterwards, shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Then, add noodles and let them cook until tender. Enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that feels like a hug in a soup!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups egg noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken, water, celery, carrots, onion, bouillon, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and basil in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
3. Remove chicken and shred it.
4. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Add egg noodles and cook until tender.

15) Buffalo Chicken Wings

Buffalo chicken wings are a tasty and fun dish to make in your slow cooker. They are perfect for game days or gatherings with friends. The wings become tender and soak up all the flavor from the sauce.

To start, you’ll need chicken wings, hot sauce, butter, and some spices. You can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce.

Simply place the wings in your slow cooker. Then, mix the hot sauce and melted butter, and pour it over the wings.

Cook on low for about 6 hours, or until they are fully cooked.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• 1 bottle hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 cup butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place chicken wings in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. Pour sauce over the wings.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours (approximately 165°F or 74°C).