18 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes For a Simple and Delicious Dinner

The slow cooker is a versatile and wonderful thing — in this day and age, it can often seem like we just don't have time to do things like cook a nutritious and balanced meal while also taking care of the needs of ourselves and others. With the help of a slow cooker (no matter the quart size), you can spend as little as ten minutes preparing a meal that, after simmering and filling the house with mouth-watering scents, will be ready by dinnertime. And, contrary to popular belief, slow cookers aren't just for soups and briskets. We've seen some serious gourmet cooking come from the family slow cooker (rumor has it you can even bake cakes in these bad boys!).

For the sake of ease, we're focusing on the super versatile protein, chicken, which because of its mild taste can run the gamut in terms of flavor pallets and accessibility. To help you along your slow cooker journey, we've rounded up 18 savory recipes that range from comfort foods like chicken pot pie for colder autumn nights to fresher fare like lettuce wraps and pulled chicken tacos that can be loaded with seasonal veggies. Each of these recipes can also be easily modified for those with food sensitivities or allergies, so if you see something you don't like or can't eat, simply replace it with a similar texture, preferably one that's in season.

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo flavors dominate the party and sporting event scene, and thanks to your trusty slow cookers, you can easily pop these Buffalo chicken meatballs in the Crockpot a couple of hours before the party begins. Just drizzle on the bleu cheese sauce once fully cooked, and you've got yourself an easy and delicious appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cooking Classy

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

When the seasons change, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. Of course, we don't all have time to cook giant vats of soup for the entire family, so this slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup is a great option that will satisfy many tastes. Pro tip: stir in some hot sauce for an extra kick.

Greek Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
Cooking Classy

Greek Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Over and over again, we see new evidence that the Mediterranean dietis the best option for both heart and gut health, and following this diet may even reduce your risk of certain cancers. This slow-cooker Greek lemon chicken and potatoes recipe is an easy Mediterranean-style option that offers the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, veggies, and herbs.

Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
Simply Delicious

Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken

Paired with rice or naan bread (or both), this slow-cooker butter chicken recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Cooked with an abundance of spices, this recipe requires yogurt and cream, but can be easily substituted with lactose-free options or dairy alternatives for those with allergies and more sensitive stomachs.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Dinner At the Zoo

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

You can't go wrong with tacos. With a base as versatile as pulled chicken breasts, you can pile high your slow-cooker chicken tacos with healthy ingredients like greens, tomatoes, low-fat cheeses, and spices to give your meal the ultimate balance. And as tacos are so customizable, there's something here for everyone to love!

Slow-Cooker Chicken Stock
The Mediterranean Dish

Slow-Cooker Chicken Stock

Bring it back to basics with this slow-cooker chicken stock recipe. Using a chicken carcass from a previous meal and relatively inexpensive veggies like onions and celery, you can whip up your own homemade stock; just place it in the slow cooker, and let it simmer away. It's as easy as that.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Cooking Classy

Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you're looking for a fresher-tasting slow-cooker chicken recipe — perhaps for warmer weather or when you don't want something hot or heavy — these slow-cooker chicken lettuce wraps are a great option. Although his recipe calls for iceberg lettuce, you can also experiment by serving this dish over a mixed green salad or even wheat noodles for a more filling meal.

Slow-Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken and Broccoli
Damn Delicious

Slow-Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken and Broccoli

This slow-cooker maple dijon chicken and broccoli recipe is a game-changer in the flavor department. The broccoli is cooked in the same slow cooker that the chicken is cooked in, so you don't have to mess up one more kitchen appliance while prepping dinner. Pro tip: Make sure you're using pure maple syrup to really capture the full flavor of this recipe.

Slow-Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili
A Spicy Perspective

Slow-Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili

When the fall season swings into full gear, it's all about the chili. This slow-cooker white chicken chili is a delicious and veggie-and-herb-packed alternative to your traditional red chilis, and by using chicken breasts and low-fat cream cheese, you can really up the ante on the health benefits.

Slow-Cooker Mandarin Chicken
I Breathe I'm Hungry

Slow-Cooker Mandarin Chicken

Welcome your at-home Mandarin chicken that tastes just like the real deal. This low-carb and Keto-friendly slow-cooker Mandarin chicken can be served with an abundance of veggies like broccoli and snow peas to capture the full essence of your favorite takeout joint.

Slow-Cooker Sriracha Chili Chicken Wings
Just One Cook Book

Slow-Cooker Sriracha Chili Chicken Wings

Whether as an appetizer or a full meal, these slow-cooker Sriracha chili chicken wings are the perfect option for those of us who like it hot. If you have some more sensitive pallets in your midst, the great thing about this recipe is that you amp up or down the Sriracha usage so you're not burning off tongues at dinner time! (If you're feeling victimized by the Sriracha shortage, consider these alternative hot sauces.)

Slow-Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken
Spicy Southern Chicken

Slow-Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken

Sometimes we don't need the frills; we literally just need to cook a delicious whole chicken to pair nicely with easy-to-cook sides and seasonal veggies. But for the sake of flavor, we've included this delicious slow-cooker spiced whole chicken that is packed with zest and won't leave your mouth dry and wanting.

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Isabel Eats

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Again, we circle back around to Buffalo — but this time we're showing a great dip choice for any and all parties and gatherings. This slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip can be made in an array of batch sizes (for those of us with mini slow cookers, this is a good choice) and can even be served straight out of the pot if you're hoping to keep it warm and bubbly throughout the occasion.

3 Ingredient Slow-Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
40 Aprons

3 Ingredient Slow-Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

Don't have time? Use a slow cooker. Don't have the ingredients? Check out this recipe. With only three necessary ingredients, this slow-cooker Mexican shredded chicken recipe is beyond versatile, as it can top tortillas, tostadas, or even salads for a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love. If you have leftovers, save them for a future tortilla soup recipe.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Pinch of Yum

Slow-Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie is a staple in the fall and winter months when we need something soothing and delicious. This slow-cooker chicken pot pie soup is a take on the homespun classic and calls for optional and easy-to-bake puff pastries that you can add to your dish, if desired.

Slow-Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken
Salu Salo Recipes

Slow-Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

Brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce — what a bursting combination! These slow-cooker brown sugar chicken thighs require only ten minutes of prep time and then can be thrown into the slow cooker and more or less forgotten about for the next five hours while you move on to more important things, like watching Netflix. Serve with white or brown rice and seasonal veggies for the perfect well-balanced meal.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
My Forking Life

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

BBQ doesn't have to just be for the scorching summer months. BBQ is an all-seasons food, and when made in the slow cooker, can be an easy weeknight meal option. So, put away the coals and tongs and check out this slow-cooker BBQ chicken recipe which requires only three ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Well Plated

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This delicious and heart-healthy slow-cooker chicken cacciatore recipe falls into the Mediterranean diet category, involving wholesome ingredients like tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. Serve it over whole pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese flakes and perhaps a side salad.