12 Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes for Family Dinners

12 Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes for Family Dinners – because nothing beats coming home to a hot, home-cooked meal that practically made itself. In our busy lives, the slow cooker is a weeknight superhero, transforming simple ingredients into comforting, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. These 12 crowd-pleasing recipes prove that crockpot chicken can be anything but boring, from creamy classics to globally-inspired favorites your whole family will love.

Each recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss, using affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re craving the nostalgia of traditional chicken and dumplings, the zesty kick of honey garlic chicken, or the rich comfort of creamy pesto chicken, we’ve got your dinner dilemmas solved. Just set it, forget it, and return to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and a meal ready to serve.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish that combines tender chicken pieces marinated in spices and yogurt, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. This dish balances spices and flavors, offering a comforting warmth with a hint of tanginess. It’s perfect for family dinners as it pairs well with rice or naan, making it a satisfying meal for everyone.

The best part? Making Chicken Tikka Masala in a crockpot simplifies the process. Just toss the ingredients in, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you spend time with family or attend to other tasks.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the marinated chicken on top.
3. Add Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Finish with Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan for a delicious family dinner.

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare. The creamy sauce melds beautifully with tender chicken and fresh spinach, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for the whole family. With its rich garlic flavor and vibrant green spinach, this recipe adds a touch of indulgence to your dinner table without the fuss.

This recipe is as simple as tossing ingredients into your crockpot and letting it do the work. The result is a creamy, savory dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread, making it a fantastic option for family dinners. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and pour over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Add Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine.
5. Serve: Once everything is heated through, shred the chicken if desired and serve the creamy mixture over rice or with bread for dipping.

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a bright and tangy dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. The zesty lemon flavor pairs perfectly with tender chicken, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in your crockpot, letting you enjoy a hassle-free dinner.

This recipe ensures that your chicken stays juicy while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the fuss. Get ready to bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the chicken on both sides for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the rice in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and top with the browned chicken. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and lemon slices.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
4. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top. Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice!

Honey Lemon Chicken Thighs

This Honey Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe is a real treat for the taste buds. The combination of sweet honey and tangy lemon creates a delicious balance that makes each bite incredibly enjoyable. Plus, using chicken thighs ensures that the meat stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Making this dish in a crockpot is super easy and perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making this meal a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the honey-lemon mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.

BBQ Chicken with Pineapple

BBQ Chicken with Pineapple is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The combination of tender chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and sweet pineapple creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that you can throw together in your crockpot, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

This dish brings together the smoky, rich taste of barbecue with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. It’s a simple one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction. Serve it over rice or with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rice or salad for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Sauce and Pineapple: Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, then add the pineapple chunks and black beans on top.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve over rice or alongside a salad, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.

Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables

Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also super easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners. The flavors meld beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a mouthwatering meal that everyone will enjoy.

With a balance of protein and veggies, this dish is wholesome and satisfying. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to please. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, making sure they are well coated.
2. Add the Vegetables: Layer the chopped bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and onion on top of the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Chili

This Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Chili is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a nice kick from spices and the heartiness of black beans, this chili is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just toss everything in your crockpot and let it do the work!

Ideal for those chilly evenings or when you need a quick meal, this chili can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences. Whether you enjoy it topped with cheese and jalapeños or prefer it plain, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream

Instructions

1. Layer the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, and garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
4. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the chicken is covered.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot and stir everything together.
7. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Italian Chicken and Peppers

Italian Chicken and Peppers is a flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italy right to your dinner table. With tender chicken simmering in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by sweet bell peppers, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is packed with vibrant flavors, and the slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and you’ll have a family dinner that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked pasta (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Layer Ingredients: In a crockpot, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Place the seasoned chicken on top, and pour the crushed tomatoes over everything.
3. Cook: Drizzle olive oil over the top and cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken if desired, and stir the mixture gently. Serve hot over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with colorful vegetables in a tangy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, offering a sweet taste with a hint of acidity that makes every bite exciting. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in a crockpot, making it an ideal choice for busy family dinners.

This recipe requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work. Just toss everything in, and let the flavors meld together throughout the day. Your family will love the vibrant colors and delicious taste!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add Vegetables: Layer the chopped bell peppers, pineapple, broccoli, and green onions on top of the chicken.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and ketchup until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Serve: Give it a gentle stir before serving. Enjoy the sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal!

Chicken Fajitas with Peppers

Chicken fajitas with peppers are a tasty and vibrant dish that brings a burst of flavor to the dinner table. This recipe features tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all infused with a zesty seasoning that makes each bite delightful. It’s a simple dish to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family gathering.

The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Serve these fajitas with warm tortillas, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker along with the sliced bell peppers and onions.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together. Serve the chicken and peppers in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a fun and tasty way to spice up your family dinner. These sliders are loaded with shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, making them a hit for everyone. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight meals.

The combination of spicy chicken, creamy sauce, and soft slider buns creates a mouthwatering experience. Serve them with crunchy celery sticks for a classic touch, and don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dip for drizzling or dipping!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 12 slider buns
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Sauce: Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
3. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it well with the sauce in the crockpot.
4. Assemble Sliders: Cut the slider buns in half. Place a generous amount of buffalo chicken on the bottom half, add a drizzle of ranch dressing, and top with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dip on the side.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stew

This creamy chicken and mushroom stew is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken and earthy mushrooms simmered in a rich, creamy broth, it’s a flavor-packed meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights.

The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables creates a hearty stew that’s both satisfying and delicious. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can set it and forget it while you enjoy your day. When it’s time to eat, a simple bowl of this stew is sure to bring everyone to the table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker, along with chicken thighs, mushrooms, carrots, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Once done, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy chicken and mushroom stew!

Final Thoughts

These crockpot chicken recipes are proof that easy doesn’t have to mean ordinary. With the right combination of ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can create meals that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, even on your busiest days. The beauty of these dishes lies in their versatility – swap veggies based on what’s in season, adjust spices to your family’s preferences, and enjoy the satisfaction of a home-cooked dinner without the stress. Here’s to more relaxed evenings and happy, well-fed families!