The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Need!
Busy weeknights? Craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without all the fuss? This Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe is your answer! It’s incredibly simple to throw together, uses minimal ingredients, and results in juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Perfect for families or anyone looking for a healthy and hassle-free dinner solution. This is one of those chicken crockpot recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Effortless: Minimal prep time – just dump the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the work!
- Flavorful: The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
- Versatile: Use it for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or enjoy it as a main course.
- Healthy: A lean protein option that’s perfect for a balanced meal. Definitely one of our favorite healthy crockpot recipes!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and it’s a great way to get a nutritious meal on the table.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank. It can easily turn into one of your go-to cheap crockpot recipes.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs – see variations!)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth for added flavor)
Substitutions:
- Chicken: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Italian Dressing Mix: Use your favorite brand or make your own.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Opt for a low-sodium version for a healthier option.
- Liquid: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor than water.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with Seasonings: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add Liquid: Pour the water (or chicken broth) over the chicken and seasonings.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so check for doneness.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F), use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Serve: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken in the crockpot can make it dry. Check for doneness towards the end of the cooking time.
- Add Vegetables: Toss some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini into the crockpot for a complete meal.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after shredding the chicken.
Variations:
- Spicy Crockpot Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot.
- Keto Crockpot Chicken: This recipe is naturally keto friendly! Ensure your ranch and Italian dressing mixes are sugar free, and serve with keto friendly sides.
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of cream cheese or sour cream after shredding the chicken for a creamier sauce.
- Looking for chicken thigh recipes crockpot? Simply substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs!
Serving Suggestions
This easy crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- Salads: Top a salad with the shredded chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Make chicken salad sandwiches or wraps.
- Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken with your favorite pasta and sauce.
- Rice Bowls: Serve over rice with your favorite toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or back in the crockpot until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
FAQ about Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for optimal results, you *can* use frozen chicken breasts. Add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is one of the reasons that the crockpot recipes slow cooker method is preferred.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, carrots, or celery is a great way to make this a complete meal. Add them to the crockpot at the same time as the chicken. Many consider this a crockpot dump recipes because you literally just dump everything in!
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the labels of your Italian and ranch dressing mixes to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Also consider looking for easy crockpot chicken recipes to find more variation on this recipe that suits your dietary needs.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Shred the chicken and enjoy!
Final Thoughts on Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access and leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out for you! And be sure to subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs – see variations!)
Seasonings
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth for added flavor)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the water (or chicken broth) over the chicken and seasonings.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so check for doneness.
- Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F), use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
3 thoughts on “Easy Creamy Crockpot Chicken Recipe The Simplest One Pot Dinner”