SEVEN simple slow cooker chicken recipes that have a lot of flavor for very little effort! Easy to prepare and made with wholesome ingredients, these crockpot chicken recipes are meal prep friendly and can be frozen as crockpot freezer meals!
When it comes to easy dinners, you really can't beat the convenience of a slow cooker, especially 'dump and go' dinners which do not require a sautee step. Today's 7 slow cooker chicken recipes are such lifesavers because not only do they skip the sauteeing step, but they are easy to assemble and can even be frozen!
Like our very popular 7 chicken marinade recipes you can freeze, these slow cooker chicken recipes are also going to make your dinners exciting and delicious, with very little effort.
The next time boneless skinless chicken breast (or boneless skinless chicken thighs) go on sale, stock up and assemble a few of these crockpot chicken recipes. Freeze for later and you are going to be so happy to have easy dinners waiting for you!
Reasons You'll Love These Recipes
- the flavors are amazing, and you can use them for dinner and enjoy leftovers for lunches
- no sautéing required - just dump ingredients into the slow cooker, cook, and enjoy!
- they can be enjoyed right away, or stashed away in your freezer to enjoy later
Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see exactly how we prepped these slow cooker chicken recipes. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Tools You'll Need
- 6 quart slow cooker (for a full batch)
- 3.5 quart slow cooker (for a half batch)
- ½ gallon Stasher bags
- 1.5 L silicone bags - this set of 6 is more cost effective than Stasher and works great
- gallon sized freezer bags
- Jokari bag holders (optional but makes filling the bags so easy!)
Step by step directions
Combine
In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, stir together all liquid ingredients. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat.
NOTE- for directions to assemble ahead and freeze, skip to the Freezer Meal Prep section below!
Cook
Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the lowest setting for 4-5 hours.
Note- we use Crock Pot brand slow cookers, and they can tend to cook hotter. If your slow cooker cooks lower, adjust the cook time using your best judgement.
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Tip - Need to start dinner earlier? Swap for boneless skinless chicken thighs. You can cook them for 4-6 hours!
Add Veggies (optional)
If you'd like to add veggies (say to the chicken fajitas), do so 1-2 hours before the cook time is completed. Try to get them into the slow cooker as quickly as possible and get the lid back on.
TIP- We recommend adding the veggies during the last 1-2 hours of cooking so they don't end up mushy.
Freezer Meal Prep
- Label bags with recipe name, date, and instructions, then add all ingredients listed as 'before cooking'.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw completely before cooking.
- When ready to cook, dump everything into the slow cooker and select the appropriate cook time. Enjoy!
Meal Prep Tip - Use these handy baggie holders to hold open your freezer bags while you portion out the ingredients.
FAQ
No. If you read your slow cooker manual, they cannot guarantee that the internal temperature will get high enough to prevent food-borne illnesses when cooking frozen meat. Make sure you thaw these freezer packs before cooking.
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).
We 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 best judgment and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs would be great in all of these recipes! Adjust the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low.
If you are making freezer packs, 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 cooking right away, you must thaw your chicken first.
Yes, absolutely! You can put them straight in the slow cooker, or assemble ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
7 slow cooker chicken recipes
lemon garlic 
fajita 
teriyaki salsa honey garlic BBQ
See recipe card below for full recipes, or click to each individual recipe post:
- Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Crockpot Salsa Chicken
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Crockpot Chicken (not pictured)
Instant pot
Some of these recipes have been converted to Instant Pot recipes! Find them here:
- Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Storage
- Refrigerate cooked chicken - cool completely before portioning out in an air tight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat - Reheat in the microwave or (best) in a frying pan over medium heat. Heat until steaming hot. Do not reheat more than once
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
7 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
Lemon Garlic Chicken
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 tablespoons white wine
After cooking
- ½ lemon (juiced)
Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 lime (zested)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
BBQ Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger chopped (or ½ teaspoon powdered)
After cooking
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch in cold water
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Honey Garlic Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ 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.
- Stir in the lemon juice and enjoy.
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 1-2 hours.
- Shred chicken between two forks and toss in the cooking liquid before serving.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Tips:
- Label bags with recipe name, date, and instructions, then add all ingredients listed as 'before cooking'.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw completely before cooking.
- When ready to cook, dump everything into the slow cooker and select the appropriate cook time. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Whitney says
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 says
I am so happy you enjoyed! Here is my freezer slow cooker category! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/category/freezer-slow-cooker/
Brian P says
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 says
Hi Brian, thank you so much for your kind comment, and I hope you and your mother enjoyed the recipe!
JoEllen says
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 says
Hi JoEllen! It's my Jokari Baggy Holder! LOVE it!
Jo Ellen says
Thanks Denise, I just ordered them 😃
Felicity says
Hi there, do you need to change the time if the chicken is frozen? Or still 4-5 hours?
Thanks
Denise says
Hi Felicity! It is not recommended to cook frozen meat in your slow cooker for food safety issues.
susan says
hi there, there isn't any liquid for the fajitas. Where does the moisture come from for this recipe?
Denise says
Hi Susan! The liquid comes from the diced or fire roasted tomatoes!
Maris says
These are LIFESAVING! We love them all but the teriyaki is my fave!
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your review!
Ian says
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 says
Hi Ian! I think these should work just fine as written in a 7 quart slow cooker 🙂 I hope you enjoy!
Rachael says
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 says
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 says
Hello! I was wondering whether you have nutrition info for your recipes. I’m particularly interested in carb count. Thanks!
Denise says
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 says
Hello can these be cooked in the instant pot? If so how long? Can I cook from frozen? Thank you!
Denise says
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 says
Nice list!
Master Cakes says
Thanks for sharing new recipes love it
Regards Mastercakes.com
Amanda says
For the cilantro lime chicken, are you only using the lime zest? Or do you also use lime juice?
Denise says
Just the zest!
Jessica says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
How much cornstarch and water in Honey Garlic Chicken?
Denise says
Thank you for noticing that omission! It's 1 tbsp in 2-3 tbsp water. Thanks Elizabeth and I hope you enjoy!
Jada says
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 says
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 says
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 says
I am so happy to hear this, Rebekah! Let me know if you ever have any recipe requests!
Jackie Wilde says
Thanks for the new recipes! ?
Denise says
My pleasure!