These healthy slow cooker chicken recipes are easy to make, family friendly, and most importantly – taste amazing. Just dump everything in the slow cooker and a healthy dinner is ready when you get home.
If you aren’t utilizing your crockpot to get a healthy meal on the table, it’s time to start. These Slow Cooker Healthy Chicken Recipes make dinner time a breeze.
You also may enjoy these Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh recipes and Slow Cooker Italian recipes.
Who says eating healthy has to be hard? I have some healthy crockpot chicken recipes that are quick to prep, and a wholesome and healthy dinner that you will feel proud to serve your family.
I love my slow cooker because sometimes I want an easy dinner! With the slow cooker, dump, press, and walk away until it is done cooking.
Those are the types of meals that make my life easier, and I am all about simple but healthy recipes. Here are some of my favorite slow cooker chicken recipes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Soups and Stews
There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken soup or chili on a cold night, The slow cooker is a great option for making soups and stews since it allows the flavors to really deepen and combine as the soup cooks low and slow.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup packed with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips is the perfect hearty and filling meal.
This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili comes together in just a few minutes, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s healthy, delicious, and filling.
A fun twist on a Tex-Mex favorite, this Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup is a new way to enjoy all the great flavors of fajitas. It’s made in the slow cooker for easy prep.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Gnocchi Soup is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. Made with chicken sausage, gnocchi, and tons of flavorful veggies, this delicious slow cooker soup guarantees to have you begging for more.
Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa with Kale made with hearty quinoa, tender chicken, and veggies is a healthier spin on traditional chicken soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup packed with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn in a spicy tomato broth is filling and delicious.
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Soup with Artichokes and rice is a healthy and flavor-packed soup that perfect for a cold night.
Healthy Taco Soup is packed with chicken breast, beans, corn, tomatoes, and tons of taco flavor. Cooked in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, this healthy dish will feed a crowd and couldn’t be easier to make.
Tex Mex and Mexican Favorites in the Slow Cooker
We love using the crockpot to create Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes that normally simmer or braise for hours on the stove. Using the crockpot adds all the same intense flavors but without needing to be in the kitchen all day. From delicious chicken tacos to fajitas and classic Mexican guisados, these recipes are so good.
Chicken tinga is the very best way to make authentic Mexican shredded chicken. It’s super easy to make and can be used for everything from tacos to quesadillas to burritos and bowls. You’ll love this easy tomato and chipotle chicken.
Pollo Pibil is made with citrus-marinated chicken thighs that are slow-cooked to perfection. This iconic Mexican dish can be prepared in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or popped into the oven for an ultra-satisfying dinner.
Slow Cooker Jalapeno Chicken Tacos are paired with a creamy cilantro sauce for an easy, gluten-free dinner that couldn’t be more delicious. This dreamy dish is quick, wholesome, and beyond delicious.
Delicious Slow Cooker Barbacoa Chicken that’s cooked with chipotle peppers for an easy and flavored filled filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more.
Slow Cooker Chicken in Chile Verde made with a homemade green tomatillo salsa comes together in less than 10 minutes and couldn’t be more delicious.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas make a healthy and easy dinner with plenty of chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a homemade fajita seasoning mix.
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas couldn’t be easier to prepare and make the best chicken taco filling that’s healthy and full of flavor.
Classic Chicken Crockpot Favorites
These are the types of recipes that have been cooked in the slow cooker for years! The slow cooker guarantees the chicken stays nice and tender in everything from classic lemon garlic chicken to a full rotisserie chicken made right in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Tomato Balsamic Chicken features chicken breasts, tomatoes, spinach, onions, and balsamic vinegar. It’s the perfect balance of savory and tangy, and makes for the ultimate cozy dinner with the family!
Looking for a way to make the best rotisserie chicken at home? Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken is the only recipe you will ever need. Made simply with lemon juice and a flavorful combination of savory spices, this chicken dish is a guaranteed show-stopper.
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala with chicken breast cooked in a creamy mushroom and marsala wine sauce. This crockpot version of the Italian classic is a great way to enjoy this meal without the hard work.
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make and is packed full of flavor. This healthy meal is one the whole family will love.
This Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Chicken quite literally melts into your mouth. With only a few ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make yet still jam-packed with flavor.
Making Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a no-brainer for your next party. Not only does the crockpot do all the hard work, this healthier version of buffalo chicken wings is always a huge hit.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Inspired Chicken Ideas
We love the bright flavors and spices in Mediterranean recipes. It means you will never have to worry about boring chicken dinners again. These recipes are true crowd-pleasers and also make the best leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken with tender chicken thighs, olives, sweet red peppers, and onion couldn’t be more delicious and is healthy too.
This easy Slow Cooker Italian Red Pepper Chicken is made with just a few ingredients you likely already have on hand and couldn’t be more delicious.
Greek Chicken with garlic, lemon, and oregano is delicious, versatile, and so easy to make.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore, which simmers for six hours in a rich red sauce, practically prepares itself and couldn’t be more delicious.
These Slow Cooker Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts take all your favorite Greek inspired ingredients, stuff them into chicken breasts with feta cheese, and then they are slow cooked until tender and delicious.
Chicken Shawarma that can be made in the slow cooker, instant pot, or on the grill. This healthy and versatile recipe is packed with all the flavor of your favorite takeout chicken shawarma but made at home.
Asian Flavors in the Crockpot
Many times we don’t think about making Asian-inspired dishes in the crockpot, but it is a great way to add tons of flavor! Try these delicious Asian chicken recipes made right in the slow cooker with minimal prep work. Serve them with steamed rice or Asain noodles.
This Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken is the perfect at-home Asian dish with tender chicken thighs cooked in a slightly sweet, spicy sauce made with soy, garlic, ginger, and Asian chili paste.
Slow Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps made with lean ground chicken, lots of veggies, and the most delicious sauce that couldn’t be easier to make. They taste just like your favorite restaurant version.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken made with just 8 ingredients that are already in your pantry is just as easy as takeout with all the sticky and sweet flavor you’re craving.
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken will be an instant family favorite with its creamy peanut butter and coconut sauce. Easy to make and so tasty.
Slow cooker coconut basil chicken with the most amazing and creamy sauce made with basil, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk.
This slow cooker green curry chicken provides the perfect mix of powerful flavor and convenience. This simple recipe combines coconut milk, green curry paste, garlic, chicken, and vegetables to create an easy and tasty meal.
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken packed with sweet and spicy flavors is perfect for a healthy and easy dinner. Stuff them into lettuce wraps, serve it over rice, or make Asian style tacos for a dinner you will crave.
Top Five Questions About Cooking Chicken in the Slow Cooker
After talking to our readers, here are the questions that came up most often about using the crockpot to cook chicken.
Can you put raw chicken in the slow cooker?
Slow cookers are designed to cook raw meats and as long as the crockpot is “on” and tightly sealed, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken and raw meats in the slow cooker.
Is it better to slow cooker chicken on high or low?
When you are cooking with chicken breasts, they should always be cooked on low to ensure that the chicken doesn’t dry out or overcook. It will only take 3-4 hours in most cases.
Chicken thighs are more forgiving since they have more fat, but for best results, it is also recommended to cook them on the low setting for 3-4 hours.
Bone-in chicken will take longer when cooked on low, closer to 7-8 hours.
Does chicken have to be covered in liquid in the slow cooker?
Chicken does not need to be covered by water or liquid in the slow cooker. Most chicken pieces have enough moisture that they will cook evenly without adding any liquid.
Another important note! Chicken doesn’t have to be submerged either when cooked in the slow cooker with liquid.
Can you cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
According to the USDA, frozen chicken should not be cooked in the crockpot since there is too much of a chance of bacteria growth. Instead, defrost the chicken first and then cook with it in the slow cooker.
What is the best way to avoid overcooked chicken in the crockpot?
There are three easy ways to ensure that chicken isn’t tough or overcooked when using the crockpot.
- Cook on low: For best results, always cook chicken on low in the slow cooker. The higher heat on the high setting can overcook chicken, especially boneless skinless chicken breast.
- Do not cook too long: Many people find their chicken is tough because they cooked it way too long. Boneless skinless chicken breast only needs 2.5-3.5 hours in the slow cooker on low in most cases.
- Use chicken thighs: If you need to cook the chicken for more than 3-4 hours, then swap in chicken thighs. The higher fat content ensures they stay nice and moist when cooked for 8-10 hours.