12 Summer Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Set And Forget

12 Summer Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Set and Forget – the ultimate solution for easy, flavorful meals without heating up your kitchen. When summer temperatures soar, the last thing you want is to spend hours sweating over a hot stove.

That’s where these fuss-free slow cooker chicken recipes come in – they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, letting you enjoy all the vibrant tastes of summer while keeping cool. From zesty lemon garlic chicken to tropical pineapple teriyaki, these set-it-and-forget-it recipes prove that summer cooking can be both effortless and delicious.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Get ready for a creamy and savory chicken dish that’s perfect for summer nights. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich sauce that’s both tasty and comforting. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker—just set it and forget it!

The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a mouthwatering aroma, making this dish a favorite at the dinner table. Serve it with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Cook: Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is a flavor-packed dish that blends sweet and savory in every bite. This recipe is simple and perfect for those busy summer days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The tender chicken, coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, pairs perfectly with the creamy sweet potatoes, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Just set your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Sweet Potatoes: Layer the diced sweet potatoes on top of the chicken.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sweet potatoes.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken if desired, mix everything together, and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Barbecue chicken thighs are a perfect summer dish that combines tender, juicy meat with a rich and tangy barbecue sauce. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and letting your slow cooker do all the work. The result is a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.

The sweet and smoky taste of the barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the chicken thighs, creating a satisfying dish that can be served with a side of coleslaw or rice. Plus, it’s a set-and-forget recipe, making it ideal for busy summer days when you want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over the top, making sure they are well coated.
4. 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.
5. Serve: Once done, carefully remove the chicken thighs and serve with additional barbecue sauce or your favorite sides.

Lemon Herb Chicken with Vegetables

This Lemon Herb Chicken with Vegetables is a refreshing and satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer. With juicy chicken breasts infused with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, it pairs beautifully with a medley of colorful vegetables. It’s an effortless slow cooker recipe that allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The bright flavors from the lemon and herbs create a delightful contrast with the tender vegetables, making this dish not only tasty but also healthy. Perfect for busy days, simply set it and forget it, knowing you’ll come home to a warm, comforting meal!

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, squash, and bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the mixed vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and lay lemon slices over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

Teriyaki Chicken with Rice is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor without needing much fuss. The combination of tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just set your slow cooker and let it do the work!

This recipe is not only simple, but it also delivers on taste, ensuring every bite is a treat. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Add Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir them into the sauce to coat.
4. Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Serve over a bed of warm rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Spicy Chicken Tacos

Spicy chicken tacos are a fantastic way to bring bold flavors to your dining table with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with zesty spices that create a rich and savory filling.

These tacos are not just easy to make; they’re also packed with taste. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and fresh toppings makes each bite a burst of flavor. Perfect for summer, you can set your slow cooker in the morning and enjoy delicious tacos by dinnertime!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 8 small tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, taco seasoning, salsa, olive oil, onions, and bell peppers. Mix well to coat the chicken.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas. Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken mixture and top with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Coconut Curry Chicken

Coconut Curry Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich coconut milk base infused with warm spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. It’s simple to make, perfect for those busy summer days when you want to set it and forget it.

The creamy coconut milk balances the heat of the curry and adds a hint of sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it over rice or with naan for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until well combined.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the coconut curry sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
3. Add Vegetables: Scatter the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers around the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Mediterranean Chicken with Olives

Mediterranean Chicken with Olives is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your slow cooker. This recipe combines tender chicken with a mix of juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to make. The slow cooking process allows all these ingredients to meld together, resulting in a dish that bursts with flavor.

Perfect for warm summer evenings, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also requires minimal hands-on time. Just set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the sunshine. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mixed olives (green and black)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Drizzle olive oil at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
2. Add Ingredients: Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Add the cherry tomatoes and olives on top.
3. Pour Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the liquid surrounds the chicken.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, with crusty bread or over rice.

Lemon Dill Chicken and Quinoa

This Lemon Dill Chicken and Quinoa recipe is a refreshing and healthy option for summer meals. The bright flavors of lemon and dill perfectly complement the tender chicken, making it a delightful dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare—just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work!

The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy quinoa, and zesty lemon creates a wonderfully balanced meal that’s perfect for warm weather. Enjoy it solo or pair it with a fresh salad for an even lighter option.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the quinoa is fluffy.
4. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the quinoa. Enjoy warm, garnished with extra dill or lemon if desired.

Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

This Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the perfect mix of tender chicken and flavorful potatoes, all infused with the classic ranch seasoning. It’s simple to make and ideal for busy summer days when you want a delicious meal without much effort. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!

The combination of spices creates a savory experience that your family will love, while the potatoes soak up all the tasty juices, making them irresistible. Perfectly cooked chicken paired with buttery potatoes makes for a hearty meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add Potatoes: Scatter the baby potatoes over the chicken.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
5. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken if desired and mix everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a tasty, healthy option for a quick meal. They pack a kick with spicy buffalo sauce, making them a perfect choice for those who love bold flavors. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also uses a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day.

The combination of tender chicken thighs coated in zesty buffalo sauce and crisp lettuce leaves creates a satisfying bite. These wraps are great for lunch or dinner and can even impress guests at a casual gathering. Plus, they’re low-carb, making them a great option for those watching their intake!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 head of romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, celery, ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to mix with the sauce.
5. To serve, place shredded buffalo chicken into lettuce leaves and top with your choice of green onions, celery, and dressing.

Italian Chicken with Peppers

This Italian Chicken with Peppers recipe is a vibrant and comforting dish that highlights the natural flavors of chicken and fresh vegetables. The sweet and savory notes come together beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!

The combination of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for warm summer evenings. Serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce for an easy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Drizzle olive oil at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
3. Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Add Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes on top, followed by the Italian seasoning.
5. Cook: 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. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken in the sauce and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Final Thoughts

Your slow cooker is the unsung hero of summer cooking, transforming simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals while you enjoy the season. These 12 chicken recipes take advantage of summer’s freshest produce and boldest flavors, all without requiring you to babysit a hot oven. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue, meal prepping for busy weeknights, or just craving something tasty without the work, these recipes will keep you well-fed all summer long. So plug in that slow cooker, grab your favorite summer ingredients, and let dinner practically make itself while you soak up the sunshine!