42 Healthy Chicken Recipes You Can Make in the Slow Cooker (2024)

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42 Healthy Chicken Recipes You Can Make in the Slow Cooker (1)Katie BandurskiUpdated: May 03, 2023

    Putting a healthy chicken dinner on the table is easier than you think. Just rely on your trusty slow cooker to make these delicious dishes.

    Slow-Cooker Country Captain Chicken

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    Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it’s traditional to serve this over rice, it’s also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

    Coconut Curry Chicken

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    My husband and I love this coconut curry chicken recipe! It's a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker, and it tastes just like a meal you'd have at your favorite Indian restaurant. —Andi Kauffman, Beavercreek, Oregon

    Shredded Chicken Gyros

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    Taste of Home

    Our family always has such a wonderful time at the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. One of my favorite parts is all the awesome food. This meal is a good way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

    Slow-Cooked Orange Chipotle Chicken

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    Taste of Home

    Even though this chicken dish cooks for hours, the citrus keeps things fresh. We’re big on spice, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska. Looking for an easy-to-make recipe? Learn how to make a slow-cooker chicken casserole.

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    Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington

    Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken Dinner

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    I got this recipe from my sister and my family really likes it a lot. It makes the house smell so good! The amount of garlic might seem high, but it's just right. You get every bit of the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. —Terri Christensen, Montague, Michigan

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    Taste of Home

    I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana

    Spicy Chicken and Rice

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    As a working mom with two kids, I have little time to prepare something hearty during the week. This recipe is easily tossed together in the morning and fabulous to come home to at night. Both of my picky eaters love it! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts

    French Lentil and Carrot Soup

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    Taste of Home

    It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

    Caribbean Curried Chicken

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    Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina

    Spicy Lime Chicken

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    I've been turning this spicy lime chicken into tacos for years, but it was my son Austin who put it on cooked rice with all his favorite taco toppings. A family favorite was created out of leftovers! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

    Asian Wraps

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    Taste of Home

    This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

    Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken

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    I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana

    Autumn Apple Chicken

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    I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire

    Chicken Stew

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    Taste of Home

    Rely on this slow cooker stew on busy weekends when you'd rather not be in the kitchen. Chicken, vegetables and seasonings give this stew great flavor.

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    Taste of Home

    When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad

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    We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping to measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

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    Taste of Home

    Use up leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal that you can put together quickly and let cook while you run errands. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida. Hungry for more? Learn how to make slow-cooker chicken and rice.

    Ginger Chicken and Quinoa Stew

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    This Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. &mash; Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California

    So-Easy Coq au Vin

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    Here’s my adaptation of the beloved French dish. I substituted boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter, easy coq au vin that still showcases the traditional and memorable taste. —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles, California

    Chunky Chicken Cacciatore

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    This healthy pasta recipe is so versatile! Look in your fridge for anything else you want to throw in, like red pepper, mushrooms, extra zucchini—you name it. And if you're a vegetarian, go ahead and leave out the chicken. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah

    Apple Chicken Stew

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    Taste of Home

    My husband and I enjoy visiting the apple orchards in nearby Nebraska City. We always make sure to buy extra cider to use in this sensational slow-cooked stew. —Carol Mathias, Lincoln, Nebraska

    General Tso's Stew

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    I love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s a great with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

    Chicken Merlot with Mushrooms

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    Slow cooked and savory, this dish is perfect for any night of the week, and is sure to become a staple in your home.–Shelli McWilliam of Salem, Oregon

    Slow-Simmered Chicken with Raisins, Capers and Basil

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    Capers, golden raisins and fresh basil give this dish a sweetly savory flavor. And what's better than that? The kids LOVE it. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio

    Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken

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    Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington

    Chicken Mole

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    Taste of Home

    If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

    Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

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    I was raised as a southern girl, with the love of barbecue built into my DNA. This slow-cooker recipe allows me to enjoy the flavors I grew up eating, while still following a healthy diet. —Heidi Mulholland, Cumming, Georgia

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    Taste of Home

    This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

    Lemon Chicken with Basil

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    Taste of Home

    No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

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    Taste of Home

    Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware

    Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

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    Taste of Home

    This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe is from my father-in-law, but I tweaked it to make it my own. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas

    Chicken Mushroom Stew

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    Taste of Home

    The flavors blend beautifully in this pot of chicken, vegetables and herbs as it simmers slowly. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois

    Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous

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    Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in the slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, I whip up a spinach salad and crescent rolls to round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois

    Garden Chicken Cacciatore

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    Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

    Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

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    I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

    Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya

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    This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

    Red Pepper Chicken

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    Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia

    North African Chicken and Rice

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    Taste of Home

    I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla chip cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla cups or any other savory, crispy cup you like. Enjoy the leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

    Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken

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    Our three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York

    Saucy Raspberry Chicken

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    I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.

    Originally Published: March 07, 2019

    42 Healthy Chicken Recipes You Can Make in the Slow Cooker (43)

    Katie Bandurski

    As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.

    42 Healthy Chicken Recipes You Can Make in the Slow Cooker (2024)

    FAQs

    Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

    Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

    Should chicken be covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

    When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and directions for best results.

    Do I need to brown chicken before putting in the slow cooker? ›

    "Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

    What makes chicken rubbery in crockpot? ›

    In addition, chicken breast has less fat and can become dry (chewy or rubbery) if cooked for too long. Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic.

    How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crockpot? ›

    Cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove lid and let chicken cool for 10 minutes or so before shredding (so we don't burn ourselves!) Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. The chicken will absorb any liquid in the pot as you shred it.

    How do you keep chicken from drying out in a slow cooker? ›

    To prevent poultry from drying out, use chicken thighs—they have more fat and won't dry out as quickly, says Finlayson. Cook thighs for about 6 hours and breasts for a maximum of 5 hours on low heat.

    What liquid do you put in a slow cooker? ›

    To ensure the dinner cooks correctly and doesn't get soggy, decrease the amount of liquids you add. Usually only ½ to 1 cup of liquid does the trick. And, for extra flavorful results, try using liquid like broth, wine, or juice, instead of just plain water.

    What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

    Tender vegetables

    Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker. Stick to heartier root vegetables like potatoes, onions, leeks and yams, or wait to add the tender vegetables until the last 30 minutes or so of cooking time.

    Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low? ›

    We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

    How long can you leave chicken in slow cooker on low? ›

    For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

    What cut of chicken is best for slow cooker? ›

    Best suited to stews, curries, barbeques or bakes, chicken thighs benefit from slower cooking times that tenderise the meat while infusing plenty of flavour. If you've got a slow-cooker, then using it to cook chicken thighs is a great idea.

    Can I leave food in slow cooker overnight off? ›

    Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

    Why is my chicken tough after slow cooking? ›

    If you overcook meat, it becomes dry and tough. Often people using a slow cooker and don't check when the food is actually done. If a recipe says cook for 8 hours on low, people may not check the food for 8 hours.

    Can you slow cook chicken for 8 hours? ›

    Place chicken breasts in slow cooker, and sprinkle with seasonings (and liquid, if using). Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. (*If making a smaller batch, keep an eye on your slow cooker as the chicken will likely need less cooking time.)

    Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

    If you simply pop some raw meat in your slow cooker, it won't have a chance to brown, which adds some much-needed flavor and cuts down on plenty of unappealing grease. Instead, you're better served by browning raw meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker with your other ingredients.

    Is it OK to cook vegetables with raw chicken? ›

    Yes, if two raw foods touch that will be cooked to the recommended temperature, the foods will be safe.

    Can you cook from raw in a slow cooker? ›

    You aren't searing your meat first. If you're throwing raw meat straight into your slow cooker, know that there are better ways. Kornblum tells SELF that while, yes, you technically can slow-cook with raw meat, you won't get your best results this way.

    Can I put everything in the slow cooker raw? ›

    For many dishes, particularly soups and stews, you really can just throw all the ingredients in. It can be nice to cook the onions beforehand, as the flavour is different to when you put them in raw, but experiment both ways as you may find you prefer one.

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