Crock Pot Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When the weeknights get hectic, the last thing you want to worry about is a complicated dinner.

That’s where your trusty crock pot comes in, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal with minimal effort. This recipe for boneless, skinless chicken is designed to be a lifesaver for busy families, delivering delicious flavor without demanding hours of your time.

Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to a hearty, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself. This easy crock pot chicken is perfect for those evenings when you need a wholesome dinner on the table but have a million other things pulling your attention.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken

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• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

This easy crock pot chicken recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families, it delivers delicious flavor without demanding hours of your time. It’s a true weeknight warrior, designed for anyone who craves homemade flavor without the fuss, offering tender, juicy chicken that’s versatile enough to be served in many ways.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the inside of your small crock pot or slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. 2. Layer the Aromatics: Place the chopped onion evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the minced garlic over the onions. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken.

3. 3. Add the Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer over the onions and garlic. Try to keep them from overlapping too much for even cooking.

4. 4. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.

5. 5. Pour and Cook: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered by the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

6. 6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F (74 C).

7. 7. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to coat. Serve warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
• Category: main dish
• Method: slow cooker
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: crock pot, slow cooker, chicken, easy, weeknight, family, comfort food, shredded chicken, creamy, simple

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, designed for anyone who craves homemade flavor without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy parents, individuals looking for simple meal prep, or anyone who appreciates the magic of a slow cooker. You’ll love how easily it comes together, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time before the crock pot takes over. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners, offering tender, juicy chicken that’s versatile enough to be served in many ways. This dish is especially ideal for those evenings when you’re juggling after-school activities, late work meetings, or just want a cozy, fuss-free dinner.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

This recipe uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at any grocery store. We focus on boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and easy shredding, ensuring a light yet hearty meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a richer flavor and even more tender texture. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, a cream of mushroom or celery soup can also work in a pinch, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Low-sodium chicken broth is always a good option to control the salt content. Feel free to use garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) and onion powder (1 teaspoon) if fresh garlic and onion aren’t on hand; just remember fresh often provides a more robust flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
• Total time: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes (on high) to 8 hours 10 minutes (on low)

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility with cooking times, allowing you to tailor it to your schedule.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this crock pot chicken is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal.

1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the inside of your small crock pot or slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Layer the Aromatics: Place the chopped onion evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the minced garlic over the onions. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken.
3. Add the Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer over the onions and garlic. Try to keep them from overlapping too much for even cooking.
4. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
5. Pour and Cook: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered by the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to coat. Serve warm.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This versatile crock pot chicken can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, serve the shredded chicken over buttered egg noodles or with a side of mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce is usually a hit with little ones!

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add a can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, a packet of taco seasoning, and a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce mixture before cooking. Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
• Creamy Herb Chicken: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an even richer, creamier sauce. Add fresh dill or thyme for an aromatic boost.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) during the last hour of cooking to add extra nutrition and color to your meal.
• Sandwich Filler: This shredded chicken makes an excellent filling for sandwiches or sliders. Serve on toasted buns with a slice of cheese.
• Party/Buffet Serving: Keep the shredded chicken warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for easy self-serving at gatherings. Provide small bowls of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Optional Toppings/Dips: A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a dash of paprika can elevate the presentation and flavor.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple crock pot recipe, a few common mistakes can impact the final dish. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Trying to fit too much chicken into a small crock pot can lead to uneven cooking and a longer cooking time. Stick to the recommended amount for your slow cooker size. If you need to double the recipe, use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches.
• Lifting the Lid Too Often: Every time you lift the lid of your slow cooker, a significant amount of heat escapes, extending the cooking time by at least 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek until the suggested cooking time is almost up.
• Not Shredding Properly: While the chicken will be tender, it’s important to shred it thoroughly to ensure it absorbs the sauce well and is easy to eat. Using two forks to pull it apart works best.
• Forgetting to Season: Don’t skip the salt and pepper, and the Italian seasoning is key to the overall flavor profile. Adjust to your taste, but these basic seasonings are crucial.
• Using Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: While delicious, bone-in, skin-on chicken will release more fat into the sauce and require a longer cooking time. For this specific recipe, boneless, skinless is recommended for its convenience and lighter result.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This crock pot chicken is excellent for meal prepping and storing for future meals.

• Storing Leftovers: Allow the shredded chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing for Later: For longer storage, portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken.
• Making Ahead: You can chop the onion and mince the garlic the day before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce mixture can also be whisked together ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This cuts down on your morning prep time even further.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common queries that often come up when preparing this simple crock pot chicken.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high to ensure they cook through completely.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? A: You can create your own blend

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.