Our best slow cooker chicken breast recipes prove that this combo—chicken and the beloved countertop appliance—can conquer soup, stew, and so much more. These slow cooker chicken breast recipes for pasta salad, pizza, and takeout-inspired chicken and noodles are easy to assemble (and even easier to adore).
BBQ Chicken-Pineapple Pizza
Yes you can recreate Chicago-style deep dish right at home. And you don’t even need to flip on the oven! This slow cooker chicken breast recipe starts with prepared pizza dough (snag some from a local parlor, supermarket, or make your own pizza dough). Then layer on barbecue sauce, leftover or rotisserie chicken, cheese, and pineapple pieces if you please (we know that can be a controversial topping!).
Tomatillo Chicken Soup
Chicken soup gets a Tex-Mex spin in this versatile and vibrantly-flavored dinner. Fans have made this their own by adding black beans, bell peppers, and extra onions. But the base that includes canned diced green chiles, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, and chicken is delicious on its own. This is especially true if you substitute your spoon with tortilla chips.
Greek Chicken with Cucumber Salad
A light and refreshing slow cooker chicken breast recipe does exist. So as spring shifts into summer, don’t put the appliance in storage. Featuring plenty of punchy fresh lemon juice, verdant oregano, parsley, and mint, as well as a crunchy and cool yogurt-cucumber salad to pair with the chicken main dish, this is a summer slow cooker recipe you’ll definitely want to add to your regular rotation.
Greek Oregano Chicken with Spinach, Orzo, and Grape Tomatoes
In partnership with some hands-off time, a little parsley, oregano, basil, and garlic go a long way. Slow-cooking Mediterranean-seasoned chicken in a pool of stock not only makes this chicken breast dinner idea a cinch to prepare, but it also infuses the protein with far more flavor and juiciness. “The flavors are bold and complementary,” one BHG fan says, declaring this a “great meal to serve to family and guests.”
Test Kitchen Tip: We call for cooking the orzo simultaneously as the chicken finishes up, but if you’d like to make the most of that hearty chicken stock, use it as the cooking liquid for the itty-bitty pasta.
Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder
If a 5-ingredient slow cooker promise isn’t enough to sell you on this recipe, the prep time—10 minutes—likely will. As will the finished product. After 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high, you’ll be treated to six big bowls of chicken stew that allows you to scoop up pub-style nacho cheese with a spoon.
Test Kitchen Tip: Set out a buffet of avocado slices, diced green onion, fresh cilantro, diced tomato, cornbread, and/or tortilla chips for an interactive toppings station.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Lentil Stew
With chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and brown lentils, this is one stew that will definitely satisfy. It’s also an ideal option if you’re seeking a slow cooker chicken breast recipe that can simmer low and slow all day; prep it at breakfast around 8 a.m., and you’ll be all set just in time for dinner at 6 p.m. Even if you’re not a fan of fiery heat, you’ll want to give this a shot. Instead of a sweat-inducing kick, the “spicy” moniker refers to warm elements like chili powder, cumin, and chipotles in adobo.
Kickin' Chicken Chili
No need to make an extra stop at the grocery store before preparing dinner tonight. This unique chili recipe calls for only pantry and freezer staples. Green salsa, frozen stir-fry vegetables, canned beans, canned tomatoes, and chicken breasts, plus oil and spices, team up to taste complex enough to make a strong showing at any chili cook-off.
Test Kitchen Tip: Our secret to take this slow cooker chicken breast recipe to the next level? Invest about 10 minutes and cook the cumin-seasoned chicken in a skillet before adding it to the pot.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Earn the game-day entertaining trophy by stirring together this chicken wing-inspired dip recipe before guests arrive. The rivalry might be heated during the match, but you’ll be able to keep the peace since the creamy Buffalo chicken dip gives a nod to blue cheese (via crumbles) and ranch (thanks to a packet of salad dressing mix). It’s especially a winner with carrots and celery, although it’s terrific with tortilla chips, crackers, or pita wedges, too.
Red Bean, Chicken, and Sweet Potato Stew
Give a hat tip to West Africa with this soul-warming stew. Chicken breasts and thighs, red beans, sweet potatoes, and a bounty of tomatoes get a boost by way of nutty, creamy peanut butter and punchy Cajun seasoning. Garnish with a handful of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, and prepare to spoon one of the most comforting slow cooker chicken breast recipes that’s ever left our Test Kitchen.
Mississippi Chicken
This slow cooker chicken breast recipe is our go-to for meal prepping. The juicy shredded meat is delicious piled onto sandwiches, stuffed into tacos, or piled on salads. You'll love the rich broth that's flavored with pepperoncini peppers, ranch seasoning, and broth.
Mediterranean Chicken and Wheat Berry Salad
To assemble this hearty grain salad, start by cooking wheat berries in the slow cooker. They're flavored with chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Once cooked, pile on chopped chicken, cucumber, and crumbled goat cheese. This slow cooker recipe will last in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Pesto Chicken Sandwiches
Transform a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 8 satisfying sandwiches. The filling is made with chicken, peppers, onion, and zucchini. The blend pairs well with a generous slather of pesto mayo.
Asian-Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Use ground chicken breast for this slow cooker recipe. Flavor the ground meat with soy sauce, teriyaki, hoisin, and hot mustard. Add texture with edamame, shredded carrots, and water chestnuts. We recommend using tender butter lettuce for the shells.
