SEVEN slow cooker chicken recipes that will kick you out of your weeknight dinner rut! You can cook these chicken crock pot recipes right away or you can assemble them ahead and freeze.
This post has been in the making for months and I’m so happy to finally be sharing 7 slow cooker chicken recipes with you!
After posting these 7 chicken marinade recipes you can freeze (and 7 more chicken breast marinade recipes here!), I have been asked so many times if you can cook them in the slow cooker.
Unfortunately you need a certain amount of liquid to cook chicken breasts in the slow cooker, and the chicken marinade recipes just don’t work.
These slow cooker chicken breast recipes are the solution to this problem!
This post covers a LOT! Click on any of the links below to go directly to that section
Don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later!
Looking for Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes? Check this post out!
How to cook these slow cooker chicken recipes
1. Place all your ingredients into the slow cooker- Because these slow cooker chicken breast recipes require no cooking, you can simply dump all your ingredients into the slow cooker and press start!
2. Cook! In my experience, using Crock Pot brand slow cookers, I can cook chicken breasts for no longer than 4-5 hours on low. After that, they are completely disintegrated. If you know your slow cooker and it cooks lower or slower than this, you may be able to leave your slow cooker on for longer. Use your judgement when it comes to cook times!
Need to start dinner earlier? Swap for boneless skinless chicken thighs. You can cook them for 5-7 hours!
3. Add veggies during the last hour of cooking- If you are looking to turn these recipes into well-rounded meals, you can certainly add some veggies. In fact, we always add bell peppers and onions to the fajitas. You could also turn the teriyaki and honey garlic chicken into a ‘stir fry’ by adding veggies during the last hour of cooking.
I recommend adding the veggies during the last hour of cooking so they don’t end up mushy.
How to prep these slow cooker chicken breast recipes as freezer packs?
- Label some heavy duty freezer bags
with instructions for each recipe (trust me, you’re not going to want to look them up on cook day!) - Use these handy baggie holders to hold open your freezer bagswhile you portion out the ingredients.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
with instructions for each recipe (trust me, you’re not going to want to look them up on cook day!)
to hold open your Chicken Crock Pot Recipes FAQ:
- Can I cook these slow cooker chicken breast recipes from frozen? No. If you read your slow cooker manual, they say that you cannot cook meat from frozen, as they cannot guarantee that the internal temperature will get high enough to prevent food borne illnesses. Want food poisoning? I didn’t think so 😉 Make sure you thaw these freezer packs before cooking.
- Can I half this recipe? Yes! These recipes have been tested halved but cooked in a small (2.5 quart slow cooker). If you are cutting these recipes in half, you will need a smaller slow cooker, as the liquid will be spread too thin on larger (5 or 6 quart slow cookers).
- How long do I cook them? I always cook boneless skinless chicken breasts for 4-5 hours on low. If you know your slow cooker and it cooks faster or slower than this, use your judgement and adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs would be great in all of these recipes! Adjust the cook time to 5-7 hours on low.
- Can I use these recipes without freezing them? Yes, absolutely! You can put them straight in the slow cooker, or assemble ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- What if my chicken is already frozen? Do not thaw your chicken if you are going to freeze again. Add the sauce ingredients to already frozen chicken and freeze.
). If you are cutting these recipes in half, you will need a smaller slow cooker, as the liquid will be spread too thin on larger (5 or 6 quart slow cookers).7 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
GRAB THE PRINTABLE SLOW COOKER BBQ CHICKEN RECIPE HERE (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
1. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This simple slow cooker recipe combines bottled barbecue sauce with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder. It is tangy, sweet and savory.
How to serve this slow cooker BBQ chicken:
- on a sandwich topped with crunchy cabbage or slaw
- on a pizza with extra BBQ sauce, red onions and pineapple
- stuffed into sweet potatoes (cook them in your Instant Pot!), and smothered with cheese
GET THE PRINTABLE SLOW COOKER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN RECIPE HERE (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
2. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A mix of sweet and savory Asian flavors, this recipe makes a sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice and vegetables! We also like to add small broccoli florets to the slow cooker at the same time as a cornstarch water slurry about an hour before serving. Works great with chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
How to serve this slow cooker honey garlic chicken:
- over rice with steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, snap peas are all great!)
- with roasted potatoes
- you can add veggies to the slow cooker an hour before serving and turn it into a ‘stir fry’
GET THE PRINTABLE SLOW COOKER LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN RECIPE HERE (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
3. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe is great with chicken breasts or thighs, and if you want to make it with carrots and onions, you can add them to the freezer pack, (refer to the recipe linked above).
How to serve this slow cooker lemon garlic chicken:
- add onions & carrots to the crock pot and green beans at the end (instructions linked above)
- serve with Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf
- serve with Parmesan Roasted Snap Peas
GET THE PRINTABLE CROCKPOT SALSA CHICKEN RECIPE HERE (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
4. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
This is a super simple way to cook your chicken in the slow cooker; all you need are three ingredients! This slow cooker salsa chicken absorbs a surprising amount of flavor during the cook time and can be kicked up a notch with some extra jalapenos or some cayenne.
How to serve this slow cooker salsa chicken
- use it as a filling for tacos
- use it as a protein in a lunch bowl
- eat it straight up with cilantro lime rice and a salad
Find the printable slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe here (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
5. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet, savory with ginger and garlic flavors, this slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a great kid-friendly dinner option, and comes with a delicious sauce for drizzling over rice and vegetables. Like the honey garlic chicken, you can add some extra veggies towards the end of cooking and turn it into a ‘stir fry’. This one is also great with chicken thighs.
How to serve this slow cooker teriyaki chicken:
- add some veggies in the last hour of cooking and turn it into a ‘stir fry’
- serve with turmeric rice or cauliflower rice
GET THE PRINTABLE SLOW COOKER CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN RECIPE HERE (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
6. Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
This slow cooker recipe is a bit different from others you’ll find because we blend our cilantro right up with some lime zest and spices. This means you don’t get soggy chunks of cilantro, but you still get that fresh, herby cilantro flavor. You can also add onions and corn to make it more substantial (directions are in the link above).
How to serve this slow cooker cilantro lime chicken:
- in tacos (click the link above to see full instructions)
- as is, served with Mexican rice and salad
- on a taco salad smothered with this cilantro lime dressing
GET THE PRINTABLE SLOW COOKER CHICKEN FAJITA RECIPE HERE (or scroll to the bottom for the recipe card)
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
You might notice the bell peppers and onion slices are missing from the bag…that is because we prefer to add them towards the end of the cook time so they don’t get soggy. This slow cooker chicken fajita recipe is cooked in fire roasted tomatoes for some extra flayvah.
How to serve these slow cooker chicken fajitas
- don’t forget to add some veggies during the last hour of cooking
- we serve ours in tortillas topped with greek yogurt and avocado
- you could also use this in a meal prep bowl like these Chicken Fajita Lunch Bowls
Recipe card
7 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
Lemon Garlic Chicken
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 tablespoons white wine
After cooking
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 lime (zested)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
BBQ Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon powdered)
After cooking
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch in cold water
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Honey Garlic Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
After cooking
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Salsa Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
After cooking
- salt to taste
Fajita Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (I recommend fire roasted)
1 hour before serving
- 1 lime juiced
- 4 bell peppers sliced
- 1 red onion sliced
Instructions
Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Place all ingredients not marked 'after cooking' in the base of a 5 quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- In a small pan, melt the butter. Stir in the lemon juice and cornstarch and mix until well combined. Stir into the slow cooker.
- Turn slow cooker to high and cook for 30 minutes, or until cooking liquid is thickened. Add salt to taste.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Combine all ingredients except for chicken breasts in a blender or the jar that comes with an immersion blender. Blend until smooth.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Shred chicken between two forks and toss in the cooking liquid.
BBQ Chicken
- Combine all ingredients in the base of a 5 quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and toss in the cooking liquid.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Place all ingredients not marked 'after cooking' in the base of a 5 quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the slow cooker.
- Turn slow cooker to high and cook for 30 or so more minutes, until cooking liquid is thickened.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Place all ingredients not marked 'after cooking' in the base of a 5 quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the slow cooker.
- Turn slow cooker to high and cook for 30 or so more minutes, until cooking liquid is thickened.
Salsa Chicken
- Combine all ingredients in the base of a 5 quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and toss in the cooking liquid.
Fajita Chicken
- Place all ingredients not marked 'after cooking' in the base of a 5 quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Add lime juice and vegetables to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another hour.
- Shred chicken between two forks and toss in the cooking liquid before serving.
To assemble ahead and freeze
- Combine all ingredients not marked 'after cooking' in a gallon-sized freezer bag.
- Squeeze out extra air.
- Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
SHARI
I love your site. I’ve been wanting to badly to try the 7 slow cooker chicken recipes. But all your measurements are so obscure. I tried checking them on Google to get some help . .25 cup chicken stock (is the 3/4 cup)? .06 teaspoons. How much is that? I’ve got everything out and ready to go…and bam…i can’t figure out the measurements. The ONLY one that made any sense was for 8 people. I’ll just use that and then figure it out based upon two people.
Do love your site though. I made the IP asian hamburger mixture and wow that is amazing. Making some more today.
Thanks so much! I’ll keep watching and making!
Denise
Hi Shari, these recipes are designed to use 2 lbs (8 servings) of chicken. If you change the serving size, the measurements of the recipes will all be weird. I don’t advise cutting the recipes in half unless you have a small (2.5 quart) slow cooker as it is possible that the sauce will over-reduce and burn if you try in a larger (6 quart) slow cooker.
If you are looking for recipes that serve 2, you should check out the chicken marinades! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/7-chicken-marinade-recipes-freezer-friendly/
laura
I know this is a silly question but could these recipes be cooked in my instapot on the slow cook setting?
Denise
Hi Laura! It would probably work, however I am not an expert on this and have heard that the Instant Pot ‘slow cooker’ setting is not the same as crockpot brand. Here’s an article a friend of mine wrote on it: https://mealplanaddict.com/2019/05/how-to-use-your-instant-pot-as-a-slow-cooker/ I hope this helps and if you try, I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
Heather
Hello! I found you on Instagram and I’m so excited to give these a whirl. This weekend I am teaching my son how to use a slow cooker now that has moved into his first apartment. These are great recipes to start with! One question – Are the veggies you add during the last hour fresh or frozen? Is there much of a time difference for frozen?
Denise
Hi Heather! I hope your teaching session went well! You can add either fresh or frozen, I think they would both take about the same amount of time since the frozen veg have to thaw completely and then keep cooking. Of course it really depends on the type of veggie so if you have a specific one in mind I can give a better answer.
Amanda
For each recipe how many chicken breast are there in a bag?
Denise
Hi Amanda, it’s going to depend on the size of your chicken breasts. For me, 2 lbs of chicken breasts is roughly 4-5 large chicken breasts. Hope this helps!
Elena
Hi there, would halving the recipe affect the cooking time?
Denise
Hi Elena, if you half the recipe, you will need to cook in a smaller crock pot (2.5 quart). That being said the cook time will stay the same.
Whitney
I have tried almost all of your marinaded frozen chicken breast recipes, oh my they are a life saver! Do you have more of these freezer to slow cooker chicken breast recipes? Thanks!
Denise
I am so happy you enjoyed! Here is my freezer slow cooker category! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/category/freezer-slow-cooker/
Brian P
I just wanted to say it’s great to see such kind, thoughtful people suck as yourself taking time out of your busy life to help others. Since my mom lost her eyesight I’ve had to take up cooking for her and I since I now moved in taking care of mom. I’m trying your chicken garlic tonight. Just bought the slow cooker and ingredients. Fingers crossed. Again thank you from all of us who are trying to make a great meal for their lives ones.
Denise
Hi Brian, thank you so much for your kind comment, and I hope you and your mother enjoyed the recipe!
JoEllen
Hi Denise! I just found your website today and am anxious to try your recipes. I’ll be making the Lemon Garlic Chicken today. I noticed in your pictures that you have an amazing ziplock bag holder. Will you please tell me where you purchased it? I’ve struggled for years trying to add ingredients to a bag on my own and half the stuff ends up on my counter 😛 Thanks! JoEllen
Denise
Hi JoEllen! It’s my Jokari Baggy Holder! LOVE it!
Jo Ellen
Thanks Denise, I just ordered them 😃
Felicity
Hi there, do you need to change the time if the chicken is frozen? Or still 4-5 hours?
Thanks
Denise
Hi Felicity! It is not recommended to cook frozen meat in your slow cooker for food safety issues.
susan
hi there, there isn’t any liquid for the fajitas. Where does the moisture come from for this recipe?
Denise
Hi Susan! The liquid comes from the diced or fire roasted tomatoes!
Maris
These are LIFESAVING! We love them all but the teriyaki is my fave!
Denise
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your review!
Ian
Hi Denise
Quick question, could I modify these recipes to be used in a 7 quart cooker? And if so, how would I go about doing this?
Thanks for the delicious recipes!
Happy holidays!
Denise
Hi Ian! I think these should work just fine as written in a 7 quart slow cooker 🙂 I hope you enjoy!
Rachael
Sorry if this is a a silly question but do you clean and reuse the plastic bags afterwards? If so, any tips? Especially if they have had raw chicken?
Denise
Hi Rachael! I don’t reuse plastic bags but I’ve discovered reusable silicone bags which are perfect for these recipes! I soak them in soapy water then put them through the dishwasher on the top rack. Works great! THe only downside is you have to make sure they stay upright in freezer as the seal is not 100%. https://amzn.to/2R1k9IM
Sue
Hello! I was wondering whether you have nutrition info for your recipes. I’m particularly interested in carb count. Thanks!
Denise
Hi Sue! I do have nutrition for each recipe, if you click through the links to the individual recipes, the nutrition including carbs should be listed. Hope this helps!
Amanda
Hello can these be cooked in the instant pot? If so how long? Can I cook from frozen? Thank you!
Denise
Hi Amanda! These were tested for the slow cooker, but I have seven Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes here https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/instant-pot-chicken-breast-recipes/
Rhonda
Nice list!
Master Cakes
Thanks for sharing new recipes love it
Regards Mastercakes.com
Amanda
For the cilantro lime chicken, are you only using the lime zest? Or do you also use lime juice?
Denise
Just the zest!
Jessica
I’m new to slow cooker cooking and I wanted to ask the reason for the cornstarch and water? I’ve never used cornstarch for anything and just wanted to know it’s significance and if it had to be used! Thanks for all the recipes can’t wait to start cooking!
Denise
Hi Jessica! The cornstarch thickens the sauce up so it sticks to the chicken and gives it more flavor. You need to stir it up in a small amount of water because otherwise it can clump if you add it right in. Hope you enjoy!
Leslie
I realized the cook time on these too and for as long as I’m at work they won’t work for me. They look delicious though. Can I put them in the oven? If so, for how long?
Denise
Hi Leslie! I haven’t tested these particular recipes in the oven, however I’d try baking at 400 for 30-40 min. If you are interested in Instant Pot recipes (which cook quickly for weeknights), try this post: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/instant-pot-chicken-breast-recipes/ and if you are interested in oven-baked recipes (that I’ve actually tested), try this post: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/7-chicken-marinade-recipes-freezer-friendly/
Denice Hook
I prepped a few of the receipes which sound great. When I went to cook them today I realized the cook time. I am out of the house from about 8-5. It got completely overcooked . Do you have any suggestions for how to avoid this from happening in the future. Thanks.
Denise
Oh no! That’s the problem with chicken in the slow cooker, you can’t really cook more than 5 hours, 6 absolute max. You could try swapping for bone in chicken thighs? I think they *might* be able to last that long, but they might also be over-done. Otherwise, the Instant Pot is going to be your best friend. Some of these recipes will work in the IP, or you can check out this post here: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/instant-pot-chicken-breast-recipes/
Elizabeth
How much cornstarch and water in Honey Garlic Chicken?
Denise
Thank you for noticing that omission! It’s 1 tbsp in 2-3 tbsp water. Thanks Elizabeth and I hope you enjoy!
Jada
Hi Denise, thanks for the recipes. I just bought some Chicken Breasts with bone since they were on sale. Should I cook them longer?
Denise
Hi Jada! You may need to cook for longer. I’d try low 4-5 hours and see how they go. Let me know how they turn out for you!
Rebekah
Thank you so much Denise! I found your website a month ago and you have gotten me out of a major meal prep rut. Your time saving ideas are invaluable and your recipes are always so full of flavour. Thanks again!
Denise
I am so happy to hear this, Rebekah! Let me know if you ever have any recipe requests!
Jackie Wilde
Thanks for the new recipes! ?
Denise
My pleasure!