Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (2024)

Our slow-cooker chicken recipes feature creamy sauces, zesty spices, fresh vegetables and other ideas for preparing chicken dinners, soups and stews.

01of 24

Jalapeño Chicken Breasts

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (1)

Chili powder and sliced pickled jalapeño chile pepper turn up the heat on these slow-cooked chicken breasts. Add a cream cheese sauce before serving, and sprinkle with bacon, if you like.

Favorite Chicken Recipes

View Recipe

02of 24

Red Bean, Chicken, and Sweet Potato Stew

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (2)

Vitamin-rich sweet potatoes and creamy peanut butter complement spicy Cajun seasoning in this easy chicken slow-cooker stew.

View Recipe

03of 24

Slow-Cooker Murgh Tari

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (3)

Chicago cookbook author Anupy Singla adapted this deeply spiced, ginger-punched murgh (chicken) tari (sauce) from her husband, who is also Punjabi. The recipe is featured in Singla's cookbook The Indian Slow Cooker.

Short on time? Try the Pressure-Cooker Murgh Tari version of this recipe.

View Recipe

04of 24

Super Simple Peachy Barbecue Chicken

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (4)

Just three ingredients produce a rich-flavored, sweet-tangy barbecue sauce for drumsticks.

View Recipe

05of 24

Hot and Spicy Braised Peanut Chicken

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (5)

Creamy peanut butter, red curry paste and fresh ginger flavor a Thai-inspired chicken slow-cooker recipe.

So-Good Slow-Cooker Recipes

View Recipe

06of 24

Greek Oregano Chicken with Spinach, Orzo and Grape Tomatoes

Rub oregano, parsley and basil on chicken breasts before slow-cooking with spinach and tomatoes in a low-sodium broth. Finish the healthy slow-cooker dinner by serving with cooked orzo and a sprinkling of Parmesan.

25 Healthy Dinner Recipes

View Recipe

07of 24

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (7)

Tetrazzini is a pasta dish with mushrooms and cream sauce. We added black pepper, nutmeg and green onions to our easy slow-cooker version.

View Recipe

08of 24

Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Stew

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (8)

Curry and ginger give zesty Indian flavor to the chicken, chickpeas and diced tomatoes in this slow-cooker meal. Stir in fresh spinach leaves just before serving for added color and nutrition.

View Recipe

09of 24

Angel Chicken

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (9)

Chicken and fresh mushrooms slow-cook in cream cheese, wine and soup. It's easy to put together but tastes like chicken in a complex cream sauce—smooth with delicate seasoning.

View Recipe

10of 24

Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (10)

The three-pepper homemade Cajun seasoning adds lots of fiery flavor to this slow-cooker version of jambalaya. We've used no-salt-added and reduced-sodium products to create a healthier main dish.

View Recipe

11of 24

Curried Chicken

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (11)

This slow-cooker recipe delivers a world of flavors, with curry playing off of jalapeños, raisins, shredded coconut and sweet peppers.

View Recipe

12of 24

Herbed Chicken and Mushrooms

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (12)

Love mushrooms? Pick your favorite type or mix and match for this slow-cooker recipe. Serve chicken and vegetables over pasta drizzled with cooking juices.

13of 24

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (13)

This 170-calorie slow-cooker version of a classic comfort food takes just 25 minutes of prep and uses reduced-fat cream cheese in its creamy homemade broth.

Hearty Slow-Cooker Soups, Stews and Chilies

View Recipe

14of 24

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (14)

Cranberry sauce combined with tapioca and onion soup simmers to perfection in this five-ingredient main dish recipe, a slow-cooker version of an oven classic. Serve over rice to complete the meal.

View Recipe

15of 24

Wild Rice and Chicken Soup

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (15)

Mix a can of cream of chicken soup, mushrooms, veggies and rice mix for the soup base. Any boneless cooked chicken works in this recipe, but chicken thighs, with more moisture from fat, slow-cook the best.

Chicken Thigh Recipes to Try Tonight

View Recipe

16of 24

Garlic Chicken with Artichokes

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (16)

Garlic alone is enough to amp up chicken's tastiness, but adding artichokes to the slow cooker takes this dish to the next level.

View Recipe

17of 24

Mango-Chicken Tinga

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (17)

Ground chipotle chili pepper and fire-roasted diced tomatoes add just the right amount of heat to this tropical take on slow-cooker chicken. We like it served with fresh pineapple wedges, lime wedges and Mexican crema.

View Recipe

18of 24

Chicken Cacciatore

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (18)

Serve this slow-cooked Italian classic with plenty of pasta to sop up the chunky sauce, full of fresh mushrooms, celery, carrots, onions, sweet peppers, diced tomatoes and garlic.

View Recipe

19of 24

Cuban Arroz con Pollo

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (19)

The classic Latin American dish of chicken and rice gets a modern makeover with the help of a slow cooker and some nutrition upgrades like brown rice and extra vegetables. Anchiote powder gives the dish a slightly tart flavor and brilliant yellow-red hue.

View Recipe

20of 24

Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (20)

This five-ingredient chowder goes together in minutes and then cooks two hours on high or four to five hours on low in your slow-cooker. Serve with breadsticks for dipping.

View Recipe

21of 24

Chicken Chili

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (21)

Chicken, chopped vegetables and canned beans make a warm and comforting chili. Our recipe gives variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili as well as a spicier Chipotle Chicken Chili.

Warm-You-Up Chili Recipes

View Recipe

22of 24

Chicken Cassoulet-Style Soup

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (22)

This five-ingredient slow-cooker recipe features hearty chunks of smoked turkey sausage and chicken cooked with a red wine pasta sauce broth and cannellini beans.

Family-Favorite Soups and Stews

View Recipe

23of 24

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (23)

Make this classic comfort food in your slow cooker with chicken thighs and a mix of fresh and frozen veggies, then top with piecrust pieces browned in the oven just before you serve the dish.

View Recipe

24of 24

Easy Italian Chicken

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (24)

Purchased spaghetti sauce, cabbage wedges, onion and mushrooms combine for a no-fuss, flavorful chicken dish.

View Recipe

Slow-Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low? ›

We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

Yes, chicken breast will become softer and more tender the longer it is cooked, provided it is cooked at a low enough temperature. If it is cooked at too high of a temperature, the chicken breast will become dry and tough.

Do you need to put liquid in the slow cooker when cooking chicken? ›

Using a nice, long, low-and-slow cook time helps chicken breasts retain plenty of moisture - but you can certainly opt to add a splash of water or chicken stock to the crockpot if you like! If you're worried about dry chicken, you can also swap boneless skinless chicken thighs in for a bit of extra moisture.

Is 3 hours in slow cooker enough for chicken? ›

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

How long does it take for chicken to cook on high in a crockpot? ›

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with plenty of salt and pepper. Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes.

Can you put uncooked chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Why is my chicken tough after cooking in the crockpot? ›

Aside from accidentally overcooking the meals, the most common reason we see for tough, rubbery, or overdone chicken is customers using a Crockpot that is far too big.

Can you overcook chicken in a slow cooker? ›

You can overcook chicken in a slow cooker. If the chicken is cooked too long, it will become dry and tough. Check your chicken for doneness early, especially if it is one of your first times making it.

How do chefs get chicken so tender? ›

Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook.

Does chicken need to be fully submerged in crockpot? ›

When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and directions for best results.

Does the chicken have to be covered in water in a slow cooker? ›

Do I add water when cooking chicken in the crock-pot? Cover and cook. Place the cover on the slow cooker and turn it on to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. You do not need to add any liquid.

How do you keep chicken from drying out in a slow cooker? ›

By regularly spooning the juices over the chicken, you are essentially marinating it in its own flavorful liquid, which helps to retain moisture and enhance the taste. This method also helps to prevent the chicken from drying out as it slow cooks over a longer period of time.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot? ›

For optimal results, it's generally recommended to cook chicken on the low setting in a crockpot. This slower cooking method allows the chicken to become more tender and absorb flavors, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish compared to using the high setting.

How do you know when slow cooked chicken is done? ›

Simply insert your food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (for a whole chicken, that would be the breast). You know your chicken is cooked when the thermometer reads 180°F (82°C) for a whole chicken, or 165°F (74°C) for chicken cuts.

Is it worth slow cooking chicken? ›

Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker keeps it tender and moist. Serve with all the trimmings for an easy Sunday lunch.

Is it better to cook chicken on low or high heat? ›

Start by having the heat medium-high when you put the chicken breast in the pan. Sear it quickly. Then get the heat down to medium-low. The average-size boneless chicken breast takes only about 6 minutes of cooking time.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Is it better to use low or high setting on slow cooker? ›

If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low.

How long can you leave chicken in the crockpot on low? ›

However, America's Test Kitchen (a source we really trust!), says they can withstand cooking times of up to 4-6 hours on LOW. It's still not that all day recipe but might be a great meal to throw in the slow cooker around lunch time.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 6717

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.