Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy
This easy chicken crockpot recipe is perfect for busy days, combining simple, wholesome ingredients with slow cooking convenience. It delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with rich, aromatic flavors from herbs and spices, balanced with fresh vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (4-6 pieces)
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Optional: bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans (1 cup, chopped)
Liquids
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth or stock (use gluten-free if needed)
- Optional: 1 cup canned tomatoes or ½ cup cream (cream cheese or sour cream as alternative)
Herbs and Spices
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili powder or cayenne pepper for spice
- Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your preferred dry spices like garlic, thyme, rosemary, and paprika to maximize flavor infusion.
- Layer the Crockpot: Place the root vegetables and aromatics such as carrots, onions, and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, lay the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs on top so it cooks evenly while soaking in the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth or your sauce base (tomatoes or cream, depending on preference). Scatter fresh herbs or dried spices over the top to infuse the dish with gentle yet noticeable flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing time for the chicken to become tender and for the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: If your recipe calls for cream, cream cheese, or sour cream, stir them in during the last 15 minutes to avoid curdling and to keep the texture smooth and luscious. Garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear chicken quickly in a pan before adding it to the crockpot.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain heat and proper cooking times.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors and aroma.
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure consistent texture and cooking.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, thicken with a cornstarch slurry or simmer uncovered on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken crockpot recipe, easy chicken slow cooker, healthy crockpot chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe, slow cooked chicken, comfort food