A collection of easy, healthy slow cooker chicken breast recipes that you can just toss into your slow cooker. From enchilada chicken to chicken stews and more, these simple chicken breast recipes are the perfect crockpot meals for any night of the week. Trust me, you’ll wanna bookmark this list of easy recipes for later!
About these Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Stuck in a chicken dinner rut? We’ve got you covered!
We’ve gathered our favorite dump-and-go slow cooker recipes for you in one easy place.
Everyone’s got their preferred way to cook meat in their kitchen, but slow cooking might be my top choice for chicken, and here’s why…
Just like our go-to slow cooker turkey recipes, crockpot cooking is a great option for anyone with a busy schedule, who’s trying to turn healthy cooking into a happy habit, or who finds chicken cooked with other methods comes out too tough, dry or bland for their liking.
The low & slow cook time helps you transform otherwise plain chicken breasts into totally juicy, tender and flavorful meat.
All you need is a few minutes of hands-on prep, some easy to find ingredients, and you’ll get delicious, consistent results every single time.
If you cook with chicken often but feel like your usual meal rotation could use a refresh, then you need these crockpot chicken breast recipes in your life.
PS – Most (if not all) of these recipes can also be made with chicken thighs, so if you don’t have or don’t prefer chicken breast, you can still enjoy all these delicious easy dinners!
Table of Contents
All of these gluten free slow cooker recipes feature simple good-for-you ingredients, minimal clean up and easy prep steps with flavor profiles designed to be loved by the whole family.
Click on each category below to go straight to that section:
chicken soup recipes
chicken chili recipes
shredded chicken breast recipes
healthy chicken recipes
dump and go recipes
What Makes these Recipes Healthy
The truth is, there isn’t a universally agreed upon definition of what makes a recipe healthy.
As an expert on healthy habits, I should know — I’ve interviewed over 200 health and wellness experts on the question of what it really means to be healthy, and have yet to uncover a definition of healthy eating that all experts agree on.
However, I did write the book on what it really means to be healthy, and when it comes to recipes I take a whole, real foods, research-based approach.
With that in mind, all of these recipes are made with whole food ingredients, without any added refined sugar, and do not include processed ingredients or oils.
They are also plant-forward, include whole grains, as well as plenty of colorful, health-filled veggies.
Finally, as a healthy habits expert, I know that a big part of eating healthy is making the process easy.
That’s why all these recipes are not only filled with good-for-you ingredients, but also incredibly simple to prepare.
As always, if you’re following a specific diet for health reasons, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian for specific health advice and check out our nutrition disclaimer for more information.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in the Crock Pot?
I’m often asked if you can use frozen chicken breast into the slow cooker.
The USDA does not recommend putting frozen chicken in the crockpot for food safety reasons.
Instead, they recommend you fully thaw any frozen meat prior to use.
Be sure to refer to your slow cooker instructions, as some do include info and tips for cooking from frozen!
How to Freeze & Store Leftovers
All of these recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.
Many of these recipes also freeze well, store in a sealed freezer friendly container for up to 2-3 months.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipe Collections
30+ Gluten Free Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes
30+ Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes
50+ Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Whole30 Slow Cooker Recipes
Paleo Crockpot Recipes
These Recipes Are All…
Dairy FreeGluten FreeNut Free
I’ve also included some kid-friendly, whole30, paleo, vegetarian and vegan options too – so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Note: Some of the recipes may say “instant pot” in the title, but the recipe cards contain slow cooker instructions too!
chicken soup recipes
4.91 stars (10 ratings)
Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup
Simple to make and bursting with fresh summer flavors, Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup is perfect any time of year. A great recipe for all your farmer’s market finds, and paleo and Whole30 friendly, too!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, zucchini, tomato sauce, leafy greens, onion, chili powder, cumin and other seasonings
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4.95 stars (57 ratings)
Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder (Crockpot, Instant Pot, Stovetop!)
Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor this Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder makes for an easy weeknight dinner or for anytime. Can easily be made in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), baby potatoes, celery, cauliflower, onion, chicken stock, coconut milk (or cream), lemon juice, turmeric and other seasonings
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4.95 stars (19 ratings)
Nourishing Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken Soup
This homemade chicken soup can be made using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, depending on what you prefer! Either way, it comes out comforting, healthy, and so delicious. It is packed full of veggies and shredded chicken with a warming turmeric broth.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrot, celery, onion, turmeric, olive oil and seasonings
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4.96 stars (44 ratings)
Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup is packed with protein and veggies and is so easy to make with a short list of simple ingredients. Your new paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30, healthy go-to crockpot recipe!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), sweet potatoes, lacinato kale, chicken stock, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning
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5 stars (2 ratings)
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a hearty meal in a bowl, full of chicken, chickpeas, veggies, and subtle Moroccan flavors.
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), chickpeas, stock, onion, carrot, garlic, diced tomatoes, spinach, dried apricots, lemon juice and other spices.
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5 stars (6 ratings)
Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew
This simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew is healthy, hearty and so delicious!
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, quinoa, zucchini, corn, garlic, onion, carrots, chickpeas, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and other spices
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5 stars (22 ratings)
Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (with Vegetarian Option)
Packed with protein and veggies, this hearty Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew is easy to throw together and makes the perfect one-pot meal. Includes directions for making in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot!
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, potatoes, carrot, celery, onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder and other seasonings
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chicken chili recipes
5 stars (109 ratings)
Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Crockpot white chicken chili is an easy prep, dump and go recipe, made with healthy ingredients and deliciously creamy without any dairy. Also includes Instant Pot and Stovetop instructions!
Ingredients: chicken breast, stock, white beans, mild green chilis, salsa verde, onion, garlic powder, cumin, cream cheese (traditional or dairy-free).
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4.96 stars (47 ratings)
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili (Dump and Go)
Ingredients: chicken, tomato sauce, beans, salsa, cumin, garlic and salt.
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easy shredded chicken breast recipes
4.93 stars (42 ratings)
Slow Cooker Tropical Pulled Chicken
Naturally sweet, tangy and oh-so delicious, Slow Cooker Tropical Pulled Chicken is a breeze to throw together and makes for a healthy dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, gluten-free tamari, honey, grated ginger, canned crushed pineapple, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.
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5 stars (35 ratings)
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce is a crave-worthy dinner that can be prepped in minutes!
Ingredients: chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, vinegar and other spices.
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4.95 stars (37 ratings)
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
Bright, tangy, and wildly simple to make, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a no-fuss weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients: chicken, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic
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4.97 stars (29 ratings)
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken (5-Ingredients!)
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken is simple to prepare and yields super tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce that everyone in the family will love.
Ingredients: chicken, apples, apple cider, onion, garlic powder and salt.
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5 stars (14 ratings)
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Basil
This healthy slow cooker balsamic chicken with tomatoes and basil is a fresh, easy meal that draws on the flavors of bruschetta for a simple, flavorful meal everyone will love. It’s one of those recipes that we find ourselves making on repeat week after week!
Ingredients: chicken, roma or cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt.
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5 stars (3 ratings)
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
With a short list of simple, real food ingredients this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is brilliantly easy and so delicious.
Ingredients: chicken breasts, tomato sauce, honey, molasses, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar and salt.
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healthy slow cooker chicken breast recipes
4.96 stars (21 ratings)
Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Packed with chicken and vegetables, Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)is made with real food ingredients and tastes amazing!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, frozen peas, coconut milk, bay leaf and other seasonings
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4.98 stars (45 ratings)
Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil
Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil combines juicy peaches, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil for an easy, flavorful dinner anytime. Easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, this one’s bound to become a new family-favorite recipe!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, balsamic vinegar, peaches, basil, garlic powder and salt.
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5 stars (66 ratings)
6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken
This easy recipe for shredded chicken for enchiladas is totally simple, completely delicious and the perfect weeknight crockpot recipe. Plus this chicken recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, Paleo and Whole30 compliant too!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, tomato sauce, chili powder and salt.
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5 stars (7 ratings)
Slow Cooker Chicken, Black Bean, and Quinoa Stew
Super easy to prepare, Slow Cooker Chicken, Black Bean, and Quinoa Stew is full of hearty, nourishing ingredients and will be a hit with the entire family. The perfect healthy dinner recipe in a hurry!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), canned black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes & green chilis, quinoa, chicken stock, carrots, onion, lime juice, cumin and other seasonings
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5 stars (4 ratings)
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken
5 simple ingredients combine in juicy, succulent 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken, an effortless dinner recipe for any night of the week.
Ingredients: bone-in chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil and salt.
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dump & go slow cooker chicken breast recipes
4.98 stars (47 ratings)
3-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
3-Ingredient crockpot salsa chicken stuffed potatoes is the easiest, most delicious, wildly simple slow cooker recipe you’ll find anywhere. What’s more, you don't have to chop a thing, and everything cooks together in the slow cooker (even the potatoes!), so prep is super fast and cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, salsa, and russet potatoes.
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4.92 stars (12 ratings)
Instant Pot Chicken, Apples & Cabbage
Instant Pot Chicken, Apples & Cabbage is a super simple one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor, but with little prep or fuss. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe. Also includes slow cooker and stovetop instructions!
Ingredients: chicken, onion, apples, cabbage, garlic powder, apple cider, apple cider vinegar and other seasonings
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5 stars (14 ratings)
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies
A versatile, filling, one-pot meal, slow cooker ranch chicken and veggies is made with a simple homemade ranch seasoning blend, chicken, carrots, and potatoes; making for an easy dinner recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts, chicken stock, potatoes, carrots, yogurt (traditional or plant-based), mayo, apple cider vinegar, homemade ranch seasoning.
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5 stars (29 ratings)
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Crave-worthy Buffalo chicken gets a dairy-free makeover!Stuffed inside a tender sweet potato, and done completely in the slow cooker, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes is your answer to dinner tonight.
Ingredients: chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, hot sauce, mayo, lime juice, coconut oil and salt
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5 stars (27 ratings)
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken
The perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, real food dinner, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken is a snap to prep and requires just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients: chicken, onion, bell pepper, salsa, lime juice and salt
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5 stars (3 ratings)
25+ Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes: Chicken Stew
Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 4 hours hrs
Total: 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Packed with protein and veggies, this hearty recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is easy to throw together and makes the perfect one-pot meal. Plus 25 more of the best and easiest slow cooker chicken breast recipes that make making dinner a breeze!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, or thighs*
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped yellow or red waxy potato
- 1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomato
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, dried herb mix
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 32 ounces chicken , or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Just before serving:
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder, can substitute cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
To serve:
- Extra virgin olive oil, for serving
- Freshly ground black pepper
Equipment
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
Add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potato, tomato, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, stock, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high until the chicken and veggies are cooked through, about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low (times vary depending on slow cooker).
Mix together the water, arrowroot powder, and balsamic until smooth. Pour mixture into the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on high an additional 5 minutes until the stew begins to thicken.
Remove the chicken and shred or dice. Add back to the slow cooker, stir, and taste, adding additional salt if desired. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground pepper.
Instant Pot Instructions
Cook the carrots, celery and onion for 5 minutes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil using the saute function on your Instant Pot, stirring occasionally.
Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and granulated garlic, cooking for one additional minute, stirring occasionally minute.
Turn off the sautee function. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the water, cornstarch and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar) to the Instant Pot, stirring to combine.
Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, then do a natural pressure release.
Remove the chicken, shred or dice, and add back to the pot.
Mix together the water, arrowroot powder, and balsamic until smooth. Pour mixture into the pot, stirring to combine. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Stovetop instructions:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Follow the Instant Pot instructions 1-4, above.
Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Follow the Instant Pot instructions 6-7 above, then serve.
Notes
Inspired by this Tuscan Chicken Stew recipe from Sweet Peas & Saffron.
*For a vegetarian version, swap 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained in place of the chicken.
Throw in some dark, leafy greens at the end of cook time to boost the fiber and green power. Think baby spinach, kale, or chard.
Deconstruct the soup and serve all the parts separately. Some diced chicken, cooked veggies, and broth on the side for sipping makes soup more palatable for resistant eaters.
Author: Robyn Conley Downs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 36mg, Sodium: 273mg, Potassium: 520mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 2755IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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