27 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Busy Families

Slow cooker chicken recipes are some of the most useful dinners to have on hand when life gets busy. On days when everyone seems to be heading in different directions, being able to throw a few ingredients into the slow cooker and come back to dinner already taken care of is a huge help.

Chicken works brilliantly in the slow cooker too. It stays tender, takes on plenty of flavor, and can be used in everything from comforting family favorites to dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite slow cooker chicken recipes to help make meal planning a little easier. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a cozy comfort food recipe, or something a little different to add to the menu, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

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Taco night always feels like an easy win in my house. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender enough to shred, then all that’s left to do is pile it into tortillas and add your favorite toppings. 

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2. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

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Chicken and dumplings is one of those recipes that never seems to go out of style. It’s the sort of dinner people ask for again and again, especially when everyone’s after something warm and filling.

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3. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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If you like that sweet and savory combination, this one is hard to beat. The chicken thighs stay juicy as they cook, soaking up a rich honey garlic sauce that’s perfect spooned over rice or noodles.

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4. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

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This is one of those dinners that feels a little more indulgent without requiring much effort. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a great choice for busy evenings when you still want something comforting on the table.

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5. Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry

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This curry is packed with warming flavors and a creamy coconut sauce that makes it feel like a real treat. It’s an easy way to switch up the dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen.

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6. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

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This is one of those versatile recipes that can be used in all sorts of ways. Pile it into sandwich buns, serve it with baked potatoes, or add it to wraps for an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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7. Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

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This Italian-inspired dinner feels a little special but is surprisingly easy to make. The rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting family meal.

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8. Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Image credit: retro-vixen

This is one of those recipes that’s handy to have in your meal plan because it can be used in so many different ways. Serve it over rice, stuff it into tacos, or use it to top nachos for an easy dinner that doesn’t take much effort.

Servings: 9

Ingredients:

• 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15.25 oz) can of corn, drained
• 1 cup salsa

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top.
2. Add the corn, then pour the salsa over everything to coat the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Shred or slice the chicken and use it for burritos, tacos, nachos, or any of your favorite Mexican-style meals.

9. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice

The chicken cooks up tender and full of flavor while the rice soaks up all the lemony goodness. It’s an easy all-in-one dinner that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without a lot of extra dishes.

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10. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This classic Italian chicken dish is packed with rich tomato flavors and plenty of vegetables. It’s the kind of tasty, comforting dinner that’s perfect served over pasta or with a chunk of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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11. Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos

These are always popular when everyone wants something fun for dinner. Load them up with your favorite toppings and they’re just as good for family movie nights as they are for feeding visitors.

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12. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

This is one of those simple dinners that comes together with really little effort. I love meals where everything just cooks along together without much input from me.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add rice, chicken broth, peas and carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
6. Serve the chicken and rice hot.

13. Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

If you’ve got a pack of egg noodles sitting in the cupboard, this is a great recipe to make. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a rich, creamy dinner that’s perfect for cooler evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream.
7. Serve the chicken stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

14. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

This is a great alternative to ordering takeout when you’re craving those sweet and savory flavors. Serve it with rice and some steamed vegetables for an easy dinner that feels like you’ve put in a lot more effort than you actually have.

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15. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

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This has all the things people love about a classic chicken pot pie, but without having to fuss with pastry. It’s a great choice for chilly evenings when you’re after something warm, filling, and family-friendly.

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16. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

This recipe gives you all the flavors of chicken Parmesan without having to stand over the stove. Serve it with pasta and a side salad for an easy dinner that feels a little more special than the usual weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooked pasta for serving
• Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the Italian-style breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
5. Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
6. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
8. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
9. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted.
10. Serve the chicken parmesan over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

17. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas are one of those dinners that everyone can make their own. Load up warm tortillas with the chicken and peppers, then add your favorite toppings for an easy meal that’s always a hit with the family.

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18. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Chicken Stew

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This is the sort of dinner that’s easy to throw together and let the slow cooker handle. The sweet potatoes make it filling enough for a family meal, and leftovers are just as good the next day.

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19. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

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This is one of those recipes that smells amazing while it’s cooking. Serve it with rice and you’ve got an easy dinner that’s packed with warming spices and perfect for a change from the usual chicken recipes.

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20. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

This is a nice option when you want something a little lighter but still filling enough for dinner. The lemon and herbs give the chicken plenty of flavor, and it pairs well with everything from rice and potatoes to a simple green salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, chicken broth, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Top the chicken with lemon slices.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve the lemon herb chicken with your choice of sides, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

21. Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

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This is one of those easy dinners that feels like a meal in a bowl. Serve it with some crusty bread and you’ve got a simple family dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings.

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22. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

If you’re looking to change up the usual dinner routine, this is a great recipe to try. The creamy tomato-based sauce and warming spices make it perfect served over fluffy rice for an easy family meal.

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23. Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Noodles

If you’re feeding hungry teenagers or a family that always seems to want seconds, this is a good recipe to have on hand. It makes a satisfying dinner without needing lots of ingredients or effort.

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24. Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans

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This is one of those dinners that takes care of everything in one pot. With the chicken, stuffing, and green beans all cooking together, there’s very little to do once dinner time rolls around.

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25. Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine

This is a good one for nights when you’re craving something a little creamy but don’t want to spend ages cooking. Serve it over pasta or rice and dinner is sorted with very little effort.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• Cooked pasta or rice for serving
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine the ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Serve the chicken Florentine over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

26. Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

This is one of those recipes that feels a little different from the usual chicken dinners. The lemony sauce works really well with pasta or rice, making it an easy way to switch things up during the week.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Cooked pasta or rice for serving
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, chicken broth, white wine (if using), minced garlic, capers, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Top the chicken with lemon slices.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve the chicken piccata over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

27. Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Image credit: retro-vixen

This is one of those recipes that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does when you’ve got family coming round. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or vegetables for an easy meal that doesn’t need much hands-on time.

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Slow cooker chicken dinners are always worth keeping in your meal rotation. They’re easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for those days when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.