Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes

By Southern Living

The convenience of the slow cooker paired with budget-friendly chicken makes every one of these recipes surefire winners in our book.

We’ve found plenty of ways to cook chicken in the slow cooker with appetizers like Asian-Ginger Wings and even company-ready meals like Paella. These slow-cooker chicken recipes are great any time of the year. Our Buffalo Chicken-Cheese Dip is a tailgate favorite, while our King Ranch Chicken is a kid-friendly classic that they’ll be asking for time and time again. If you’re looking for a recipe that you can fix, forget, and will be ready to serve when you get home from a full day, we have what you’re looking for. If you’re willing do a little extra work whether braising the chicken before it hits the slow cooker or rounding off the meal with a fresh side, we have slow cooker chicken recipes that will fit that category as well. Take a look through our easy and convenient slow-cooker chicken recipes and never again worry about a busy week getting the best of you.

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Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

To make ahead, cool shredded chicken completely. Freeze in an airtight container up to 3 months. Low and slow is how this slow-cooker barbecue chicken gets its flavor.  Make a real statement by serving the shredded chicken over Sweet Potato Cornbread and topping with Pickled Peppers & Onions and Simple Slaw.

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2 of 25

Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken

Add a base of basmati rice to complement the honey glaze. You're going to love the sweet and savory flavor combination in our delicious Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken. 

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Chicken With Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Recipe: Chicken With Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms

A special dinner such as Chicken with Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms is easily achieved on busy weeknights thanks to your slow cooker. The chicken is first browned in a skillet for added visual appeal and flavor.

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Creole Chicken with Field Pea Succotash

Photo: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Creole Chicken with Field Pea Succotash

Complete the meal by trying this easy side: Drizzle sliced fresh tomatoes with oil-and-vinegar dressing; season with salt and pepper to taste.

5 of 25

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti

Spend 20 minutes in the kitchen prepping this gorgeous, hearty sauce. Once the sauce simmers in the cooker, all that's left to do is cook a pound of pasta, and serve.

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Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Photo: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

All you need are 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time to make this citrusy lemon-rosemary chicken for dinner.

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7 of 25

Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings

Make a classic chicken and dumplings recipe even more Southern by topping the vegetable-and-chicken-packed stew with cornbread dumplings.

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Tortilla Soup

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Tortilla Soup

Anaheim peppers are long, slender chile peppers with a sweet, mild heat. Look for Mexican tortilla soup broth on the soup aisle.

9 of 25

Chicken Sausage and White Bean Stew

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Sausage and White Bean Stew

On a cold evening, come home to a simmering slow cooker filled with comforting Chicken Sausage and White Bean Stew.

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Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken

Start with a whole chicken, cut up, and simmer in a homemade barbecue sauce of ketchup, cola, cider vinegar, and a splash of bourbon for a Southern barbecue flavor. Enjoy this slow-cooked chicken by itself or as a sandwich piled with Pickled Peppers & Onions atop Sweet Potato Cornbread.

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Chicken-and-Squash Casserole

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken-and-Squash Casserole

Get all the satisfaction of a hearty casserole with none of the messy cleanup. Preparing it in a slow cooker will ensure an even more tender bite.

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Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Quarters

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Quarters

The key to this dinner-party-worthy dish is to brown the chicken before it goes into the slow cooker.

Cooking Video: How To Make Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Quarters

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Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes

All you need is 20 minutes to get this dish in the slow cooker, then you have a hearty chicken and veggie supper waiting for you when you get home.

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King Ranch Chicken

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

This slow-cooker version of the fan favorite King Ranch Chicken Casserole is sure to please the whole family.

Tip: Removing the slow cooker's lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking gives the casserole oven-baked flavor and texture.

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Slow-Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Look for jars of peeled garlic in the refrigerated cases in the produce section at most major supermarkets. While there, grab a package of poultry herbs, which includes fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley and can substitute for the individual herbs. Add dried apricots to infuse the rich sauce with a fruity back note, and serve over couscous for a North African-inspired supper.

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Chicken-and-Spinach Lasagna

Photo: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Chicken-and-Spinach Lasagna

This hearty Italian classic features chicken slow-cooked with spinach and carrots. Easy Side: Toss 1 (5-oz.) package mixed salad greens with 2 cups each refrigerated unsweetened pink grapefruit sections and diced avocado, 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries, and 1/3 cup bottled poppy seed dressing.

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Asian-Ginger Wings

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Asian-Ginger Wings

Pre-broiling the wings for 14 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker give them crisp skin and nice color. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and sliced chile peppers for a bit of color and crunch. This crowd-pleaser will be a winner with crowds—and the cook!  

18 of 25

Chicken Enchilada Dip

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Dip

The corn tortillas cook into this dish and thicken it. You won’t see them after they’re cooked, but you’ll still taste their authentic Mexican flavor.

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Buffalo Chicken-Cheese Dip

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken-Cheese Dip

Buffalo Chicken-Cheese Dip is a favorite game-day appetizer. Cook and serve this savory dip in your slow cooker for a winning crowd-pleaser. 

20 of 25

Paella

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Paella

Mexican chorizo is made with fresh pork, while Spanish chorizo is made with smoked pork. Here we opted for the Spanish variety. This slow cooker recipe is party-ready and will feed a crowd. We love the bright pops of color from the pimientos, olives, and peas. You'll love the easy cleanup. 

21 of 25

Chicken Marsala

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Our slow-cooker recipe for Chicken Marsala turns a classic Italian recipe into a fuss-free family favorite. No need to pre-braise chicken or saute garlic beforehand. The best part about this recipe is that everything comes together in the slow-cooker, no extra pots and pans required. 

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups

These cups pair the freshness of a salad with the heartiness of a taco. Serve as an appetizer or light dinner. 

 

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Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken

Phoot: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Creamy Slow-cooker Chicken

This versatile recipe can be used in lots of innovative ways. Shred the cooked chicken, and toss with hot cooked pasta. Create a casserole, or jump-start a filling for easy enchiladas or a fast pot pie.

 

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Soulful Chicken Soup

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Soulful Chicken Soup

No dish is quite as soothing as a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. Slow cookers couldn't have made the road to comfort any easier: Simply toss in the ingredients, switch on, and then walk away. We love old-fashioned, wide egg noodles for this recipe. To make sure they aren't mushy and overcooked, don't leave them in the slow cooker any longer than 10 minutes.

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