Follow Me On Social Media!
Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Introduction: A Comforting Classic — Crockpot Chicken Recipes Done Right
If you’re looking for the easiest and most comforting crockpot chicken recipes, you’ve found it. This 5-ingredient slow cooker chicken is juicy, garlicky, and full of flavor — no fuss, no fancy steps, just dump, set, and forget.
Growing up, this recipe was my mom’s go-to on busy school nights. I’ve adapted it over the years to fit a healthier lifestyle without losing any of that home-cooked taste. It’s now a staple in my kitchen during back-to-school season or anytime life gets hectic.
So, why is this slow cooker chicken special? Because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. It’s creamy without heavy cream, garlicky without being overpowering, and tender without much prep. Plus, it’s easy to modify based on what you have in the fridge.
Let’s dig into why you’ll love it…
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ 5 Ingredients Only – No long grocery list needed.
- ⏲️ Hands-Off Cooking – Set it and forget it.
- 🧽 Minimal Cleanup – One pot, no mess.
- 🥶 Freezer-Friendly – Great for batch cooking.
- 🥗 Healthy Twist – Protein-packed and low-carb adaptable.
- 👨👩👧 Kid-Approved – Mild and creamy flavor they’ll devour.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
Optional: Use low-sodium or substitute with Greek yogurt + chicken broth mix - 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
(or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic – see our garlic mincing guide) - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Substitutions:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Frozen peas or carrots (for a one-pot meal)
👩🍳 How to Make This Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Prep (5 minutes)
- Add to Crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soup, broth, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour Over: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook (4–6 hours)
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Use two forks to shred chicken right in the crockpot, or leave the breasts whole for plating.
Finish (Optional)
- Thicken (Optional): Want it creamier? Stir in sour cream or a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Serve: Ladle over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
Pro Tips & Variations
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook: Even in a crockpot, chicken can get dry. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Chicken first, then sauce. This keeps it juicy.
- Use Thighs for More Flavor: Boneless thighs give a richer taste and stay moist longer.
Flavor Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the cream soup and use a mix of Greek yogurt and broth.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and skip the sour cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle powder or jalapeños during cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Green Beans
- Honey Butter Cornbread
👉 You might also like:
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken with sauce in bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep moist.
🧾 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 298
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
- Sodium: 480mg
(Values are estimates. For precise nutrition, check the USDA Database.)
❓ FAQ – Crockpot Chicken Recipes (Schema Enabled)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but for food safety, thaw them first or increase the cook time slightly.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 mins of cooking.
Q: Can I make this without canned soup?
A: Yes! Use a mix of Greek yogurt, broth, and cornstarch for a clean alternative.
Q: Can I cook on high to save time?
A: Yes – 3–4 hours on high works perfectly. Just don’t overcook.
Q: What size slow cooker should I use?
A: A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for even cooking and easy shredding.
Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken Recipe You’ll Crave Again
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Description
It’s creamy without heavy cream, garlicky without being overpowering, and tender without much prep. Plus, it’s easy to modify based on what you have in the fridge.
Ingredients
-
4 chicken breasts
-
1 can cream of chicken soup
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
2 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Add chicken to crockpot.
-
Mix soup, broth, seasonings; pour over.
-
Cook on LOW 5–6 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
-
Shred and serve.
Notes
Add sour cream for extra creaminess.
-
Use thighs for richer flavor
-
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
External Resources
External Links (DoFollow):
📣 Wrapping Up
There you have it — one of the easiest crockpot chicken recipes you’ll ever make. It’s creamy, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular on your table.
👉 Tried it? Please ⭐ rate the recipe, 💬 drop a comment, and 📌 save it for later on Pinterest!
Happy slow cooking! 🧡
