Effortless Eats: 5 Easy Chicken Crockpot Meals for Busy Cooks

As a busy family, finding ways to simplify mealtime without compromising on taste can be a game-changer. 

And what better kitchen tool to help you achieve that than a trusty crockpot? 

With its ability to cook food slowly and evenly, a crockpot can turn simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

If you’re a chicken lover, then you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 5 easy chicken crockpot meals that are perfect for busy families.

Easy chicken crockpot meals

Quick, Delicious, and Easy Chicken Crockpot Meals

Welcome to the ultimate solution for busy cooks who crave delicious homemade meals without the hassle of spending hours in the kitchen! 

If you’re constantly on the go but still want to enjoy wholesome, flavorful chicken dishes that your whole family will love, then you’re in the right place. 

In this blog, I’ll share a treasure trove of easy chicken crockpot meals that will simplify your cooking routine and leave your taste buds begging for more. 

Say goodbye to the stress of meal prep and hello to scrumptious, time-saving recipes that will make your busy life a breeze. 

So grab your crockpot and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and transform your weeknight dinners!

Ready to dive into the recipe? 

1. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

This dish bursts with bright flavors of lemon and garlic, making it a perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

lemon chicken

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine the minced garlic, melted butter, chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
  3. Place the coated chicken breasts into the slow cooker, coating each side with the lemon garlic mixture.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley.
  6. Serve the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

2. Crockpot BBQ Chicken

If you’re craving some tangy and smoky flavors, then this BBQ chicken recipe is a winner. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand and flavor)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure they are in a single layer.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
  4. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
  6. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir it into the BBQ sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors for another 15-20 minutes.
  7. Serve the crockpot BBQ chicken on hamburger buns, in tacos, or over rice, and enjoy the delicious and tender chicken with your favorite side dishes.

3. Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Mushroom

For a comforting and creamy meal, try this chicken and mushroom recipe. Start by placing boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot, and season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Mushroom

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Transfer the mushroom mixture to the crockpot. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mushrooms.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and chicken broth until well combined. Pour the mixture over the chicken and mushrooms in the crockpot.
  5. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot.
  6. Stir all the ingredients together gently, making sure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid.
  7. Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  8. Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it into smaller pieces directly in the crockpot.
  9. Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy mushroom sauce, and let it cook for another 30 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. Serve the creamy crockpot chicken and mushroom over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

4. Crockpot Salsa Chicken

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and fuss-free meal. a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of spiciness)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1/2 cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the salsa, diced onion, diced bell pepper, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  3. Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, covering them completely.
  4. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir it into the salsa mixture.
  6. Serve the Crockpot Salsa Chicken over cooked rice, tortilla chips, or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Top with your desired toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Crockpot Chicken and Rice Casserole

Who says you can’t make a casserole in a crockpot? This chicken and rice casserole is a breeze to make and is perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a large crockpot, combine the cubed chicken, rice, frozen mixed vegetables, diced onion, diced celery, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Pour the mixture over the chicken and rice in the crockpot and stir gently to evenly distribute the liquid.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  4. About 15-30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Once the cheese is melted, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Time To Wrap, Recharging For Next!

There you have it – some easy and delicious chicken crockpot meals that are perfect for busy days, a movie night, a treat for family and friends, a great day, or any of the occasions.

With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create flavorful and satisfying meals that your whole family will love.

Enjoy these tasty meals without the hassle of spending too much time in the kitchen. 

Crave for more chicken recipes? Let’s make a journey through my other chicken recipe and give a try from the list to enjoy a happy meal!