Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe For Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity, and this irresistible slow cooker chicken delight recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces melt into a savory sauce that promises pure comfort.

Busy home cooks rejoice in this hands-off approach to creating a delectable meal.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with rich, deep flavors that dance across your palate.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy, this dish comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

Protein-packed and satisfying, the recipe offers a foolproof solution for those seeking a stress-free dinner option.

Dive into this mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Slow Cooker Chicken

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Fillets: Tender meat foundation that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides hearty protein for a satisfying meal.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pepper: Brings a mild warmth and subtle spiciness to complement the chicken's richness.
  • Paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Onion Gravy Mix: Creates a rich, umami base that deepens the overall flavor complexity.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creamy texture and additional layered chicken flavor.
For Liquid and Moisture:
  • Water: Helps create the perfect cooking environment and ensures chicken remains juicy and tender.
  • Chopped Parsley (Optional): Fresh herb garnish that adds bright, clean notes and visual appeal.

Tools to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Simple

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly and keeping it moist.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining soup, water, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure water and ingredients.
  • Forks: Great for shredding the tender chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for any minor ingredient preparation.
  • Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping parsley garnish.

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken the Right Way

  • Chicken Preparation

Generously coat chicken with aromatic seasonings, creating a flavorful base for the slow cooker magic.

  • Flavor Foundation

Scatter dry gravy mix across the chicken, ensuring an even distribution of savory goodness.

  • Creamy Liquid Layer

Whip together a silky smooth sauce that will transform the chicken into a tender, mouthwatering dish.

  • Slow Cooking Journey

Allow the slow cooker to work its enchantment, gently transforming the chicken into a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

  • Final Touch

Lovingly pull apart the chicken into delectable morsels, nestling it on a soft bed of comfort like creamy potatoes or fluffy rice. Optional fresh herbs add a bright finishing flourish.

Tips to Add Flavor to Chicken

  • Spice Swap: Replace paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor profile that adds subtle smokiness to the chicken.
  • Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary between chicken layers to introduce aromatic Mediterranean-inspired notes to the dish.
  • Veggie Power-Up: Toss sliced mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers into the slow cooker for extra nutrition and colorful texture.
  • Creamy Alternative: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different taste twist that keeps the sauce rich and velvety.

Plating Slow Cooker Chicken for Dinner

  • Creamy Comfort Plate: Serve this tender chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds with warmth.
  • Noodle Nest Presentation: Spread the shredded chicken over buttery egg noodles, creating a delightful bed of comfort that transforms your dinner into a cozy culinary experience.
  • Zesty Rice Bowl: Layer the succulent chicken over steamed white or brown rice, adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor.
  • Quick Sandwich Makeover: Transform leftover chicken into delicious sandwiches by placing the shredded meat on soft rolls with a dollop of mayo or your favorite spread for a quick lunch option.

How to Keep Slow Cooker Chicken Juicy

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the chicken recipe and freeze half in meal-sized containers for quick weeknight dinners. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover shredded chicken in sealed containers for up to 4 days. The dish maintains its delicious flavor when properly chilled and stays moist with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion cooked chicken into zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store up to 3 months for future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Pro Tips: Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly.
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Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken delight brings warmth and comfort to family dinners with minimal preparation. Rich layers of tender chicken and aromatic herbs create a satisfying meal that welcomes eager diners to the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • pepper (to taste)
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (0.9 oz / 25 g) packet chicken gravy mix
  • 1 (0.9 oz / 25 g) packet onion gravy mix
  • 2 tbsps parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken fillets with a dynamic blend of black pepper and paprika, ensuring comprehensive coverage on all surfaces.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Distribute onion gravy mix and chicken seasoning packets evenly across the prepared chicken, creating a robust flavor base.
  3. Sauce Creation: Combine cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and water in a mixing bowl, whisking until achieving a silky, homogeneous liquid with zero lumps.
  4. Slow Cooker Assembly: Pour the creamy mixture over chicken, allowing the sauce to naturally envelop and permeate the meat in the slow cooker.
  5. Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to LOW temperature and allow chicken to simmer for 4 hours, transforming the meat into tender, easily separable morsels.
  6. Texture Refinement: Utilize two forks to gently pull and shred the cooked chicken, creating rustic pieces saturated with the rich, aromatic sauce.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Plate the succulent shredded chicken over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles, complemented by an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Seasoning Strategy: Thoroughly coat chicken with spices before cooking to maximize flavor depth and ensure even seasoning coverage.
  • Gravy Technique: Distribute seasoning packets evenly to prevent clumping and guarantee consistent taste throughout the dish.
  • Sauce Smoothness: Whisk liquid ingredients meticulously to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, uniform sauce that coats chicken perfectly.
  • Cooking Precision: Monitor slow cooker closely during 4-hour cooking process to achieve optimal tenderness without overcooking chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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