Best Chicken Crock Pot Recipes

Whether you’re in need of some quick and easy dinners, or you’d just like to change up your usual chicken dinner routine, this collection of the best chicken crock pot recipes will have something for you!

I gathered some of my favorite slow cooker chicken recipes to level up your dinner lineup.

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Chicken Crockpot Recipes

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Crock pot chicken recipes are some of my most popular, and favorite, recipes. They’re easy and convenient and perfect for busy families.

I avoided slow cookers for a long time because my mom never used one so they were foreign to me.

The first time I tried out a crockpot recipe, I pulled up to my house after work and was surprised to see it still standing. I really thought it might burn the house down.

I might be dramatic but have you seen This is Us? It could happen.

Before we get to the recipes, let’s go over some common slow cooker questions I have been asked:

What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a Crock Pot?

There is no difference between a slow cooker and a crock pot. Crock Pot is a brand of slow cooker that came out in the 70s. Slow cooker is just a type of appliance. I use the terms interchangeably throughout my site because I find that most everyone calls it one or the other.

In short, a Crock Pot is a brand of slow cooker, but not every slow cooker is a Crock Pot (mine is a Hamilton Beach).

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in your slow cooker. Some recipes call for you to brown or sear the meat before you put it into the slow cooker (like my garlic parmesan chicken thighs) but I usually skip that step. I find it defeats the purpose and convenience of slow cooker meals.

Some recipes, like my buffalo chicken dip, call for you to add pre-cooked chicken to the slow cooker. Just pay attention to the recipe and instructions.

Generally, meat (chicken and otherwise) goes in raw.

Can you put frozen chicken in the crock pot?

You should not put frozen chicken in your crock pot. Can you? Yes. Should you? No.

The whole purpose of a slow cooker is to cook….slow. When you put frozen chicken in the slow cooker, it doesn’t reach a safe temperature quick enough. This opens up an opportunity for bacteria to present itself.

Thaw your chicken before you add it to the slow cooker.

Still not convinced? Here’s the USDA’s chicken safety guidelines.

Is it better to slow cook chicken on high or low?

Whether you slow cook your chicken on high or low depends on a few things. First, time constraints.

Do you have 6-8 hours for your meal to cook? If you do, low will work. If you need dinner ready in 3-4 hours, you’ll want to opt for high.

If you plan to shred the chicken, low & slow with enough liquid to keep the chicken moist would be my recommendation.

It’s also important to remember that each slow cooker runs differently (many run hot) so the times listed on recipes are a suggestion, but you’ll need to monitor yours for the best results.

Once chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°, it is ready to eat.

Which slow cooker should I get?

For the past few years, I’ve been using a Hamilton Beach Set & Forget It slow cooker and I love that once it’s done cooking for the designated time, it automatically switches itself to warm. That is handy.

Read my full Hamilton Beach slow cooker review here.

Any other questions? Feel free to comment below & ask.

Now, let’s get to some of the best chicken crock pot meals…

collage of chicken photos reading "40+ crockpot chicken recipes".

Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken
My most popular recipe for the past few years, this easy bourbon chicken is great over rice or with potatoes.

Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Chicken | Persnickety Plates

Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken

If you love bourbon chicken from the food court at the mall, you’ll love this version of Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken that’s made right in your slow cooker!

Chicken Crockpot Recipes

What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a Crock Pot?

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Can you put frozen chicken in the crock pot?

Is it better to slow cook chicken on high or low?

Which slow cooker should I get?

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