You know those days when you’ve got a million things to do, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen? This Easy Crock Pot Chicken recipe is your secret weapon. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking. Spoiler alert: you didn’t.
Picture tender, juicy chicken infused with mouthwatering flavors, all with minimal effort. Just toss a handful of ingredients in your slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a dinner that’s ready to be devoured.
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s become a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s versatile, delicious, and kid-approved (even my pickiest eater loves it). Let’s dive into why this should be your new weeknight go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, here’s why I’m obsessed with this Easy Crock Pot Chicken recipe—and why I know you’ll love it too:
- Minimal prep: You’re literally throwing things into a slow cooker. No fancy steps, no fuss, just simple ingredients doing all the work for you.
- Incredibly juicy chicken: The slow cooker works its magic, leaving you with melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s never dry.
- Versatile flavors: You can tweak the seasonings to suit your mood or what you have in your pantry (more on that later).
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and use the leftovers for salads, wraps, or sandwiches throughout the week.
- <strongcrowd-pleaser: It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves. Trust me—kids, picky eaters, and guests will all be asking for seconds.</strongcrowd-pleaser:
Pro tip: This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy days when you need dinner to practically cook itself. It’s a game-changer.
What Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Use bone-in or boneless, skinless. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work beautifully too.
- Chicken broth: About 1 cup (240ml). Adds moisture and keeps the chicken tender as it cooks.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. If you love garlic like I do, you can add an extra clove—it makes the aroma irresistible.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth without the chopping (you can use fresh onion if you prefer).
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Gives the chicken a gorgeous color and a smoky flavor. Smoked paprika works too!
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon. My go-to for adding a mix of herbs without overthinking it.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. I use about ½ teaspoon each, but adjust to your personal preference.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons. Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon. Adds brightness and balances the richness of the dish.
Quick note: You can totally get creative with the seasonings. Add chili powder for a kick, or toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if you have them. More on variations later!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this recipe—just the basics will do:
- Slow cooker: Any size works, but I usually use a 6-quart Crock Pot for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: One small bowl for combining the seasonings.
- Tongs: For moving the chicken in and out of the pot without a mess.
- Measuring spoons: Accuracy is key when it comes to seasonings, especially salt!
Optional but helpful: a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly (165°F is the magic number).
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is as easy as it gets, but I’m breaking down every step so you can feel totally confident.
- Prep your slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or rub it with a little olive oil. This makes cleanup a breeze.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs.
- Add ingredients to the Crock Pot: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly around the chicken. Pour chicken broth into the pot (but don’t pour it directly over the chicken—you want those seasonings to stay put).
- Set and forget: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Optional step: If you love crispy edges, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet, brush with a little more olive oil, and broil for 2-3 minutes. It’s not necessary, but it adds a nice texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or serve whole. Spoon some of the flavorful juices over the top before serving—don’t skip this part, it’s liquid gold!
That’s it! You’ve just made a restaurant-worthy dinner with almost no effort.
My Best Tips & Techniques
Here’s everything I’ve learned from making this recipe over and over:
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Rubbing the spices on the chicken before cooking makes all the difference—it locks in flavor.
- Watch the cook time: Overcooking chicken in the slow cooker can make it dry. If you’re unsure, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F is perfect).
- Layer your flavors: Adding garlic and lemon juice at the start ensures the chicken is infused with flavor as it cooks.
- Broil for texture: If you have time, broiling the chicken after slow cooking adds a nice golden color and crispy edges.
Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, make extra broth while you cook—it’s amazing for reheating leftovers and keeping them juicy.
Ways to Mix It Up
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun variations to try:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix. Serve with rice and black beans.
- Lemon Herb: Double the lemon juice and add fresh rosemary and thyme. This version is perfect with roasted potatoes.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap the Italian seasoning for ginger and garlic powder, and add 2 tablespoons soy sauce to the broth.
- BBQ Chicken: Add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, tangy twist.
Have fun experimenting—this recipe is super forgiving!
Serving Ideas & Storage
How to Serve:
- Over rice or pasta: The juices from the slow cooker make a perfect sauce.
- In salads or wraps: Shred the chicken and add it to your favorite greens or wrap it up with lettuce and veggies.
- Taco night: Use the shredded chicken as a taco filling and load it up with your favorite toppings.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a little broth to keep it juicy.
- Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with some reserved juices.
Leftovers are a lifesaver for quick lunches—just heat and eat!
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 240 |
| Protein: | 28g |
| Fat: | 8g |
| Carbs: | 2g |
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and this recipe keeps it light with minimal added fat. The broth and seasonings add flavor without extra calories.
Quick note: You can tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs—low-carb, gluten-free, or even dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Easy Crock Pot Chicken, your new weeknight dinner hero. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile enough to keep things interesting week after week.
This recipe has saved me on countless busy nights, and I hope it does the same for you. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your home.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle with your version. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs are even juicier and hold up well in the slow cooker. Just make sure they’re cooked through (165°F).
Q: Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
A: Yes! Add hearty veggies like potatoes, carrots, or celery at the start. Softer veggies like zucchini should go in during the last hour.
Q: Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
A: Yep! If you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 6-7 hours. The chicken will still be tender and flavorful.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: I recommend reheating in a skillet with a little broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Definitely! Make sure your Crock Pot is big enough to fit the chicken without overcrowding. You might need to adjust the cook time slightly.
Pin This Recipe!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipe – Best Weeknight Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with mouthwatering flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or rub it with a little olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly around the chicken. Pour chicken broth into the pot, avoiding pouring it directly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Optional: Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet, brush with a little more olive oil, and broil for 2-3 minutes for crispy edges.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or serve whole. Spoon some of the flavorful juices over the top before serving.
Notes
[‘Rubbing the spices on the chicken before cooking locks in flavor.’, ‘Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out.’, ‘Broiling the chicken after slow cooking adds a nice golden color and crispy edges.’, ‘Make extra broth while cooking to keep leftovers juicy.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Kid-Friendly Recipe
