Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners: A Week of Effortless Meals

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Do you crave delicious, home-cooked meals without the fuss? Look no further than your trusty slow cooker! Chicken is incredibly versatile and perfect for slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful, and satisfying dinners with minimal effort. This guide provides you with seven amazing slow cooker chicken recipes, one for each night of the week, complete with detailed instructions and tips to make your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken?

The slow cooker is a busy person’s best friend. Here’s why slow cooker chicken dinners are a game-changer:

* **Effortless Cooking:** Simply prep the ingredients, throw them into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. No constant monitoring or stirring required.
* **Tender and Flavorful:** Slow cooking breaks down the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat infused with the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Chicken is a blank canvas for a variety of flavors, making it perfect for creating diverse and exciting meals.
* **Convenient:** You can start the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken is generally an affordable protein source, and slow cooker meals often stretch ingredients, saving you money.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Essential Slow Cooker Tips for Chicken

Before we dive into the recipes, here are some essential tips for successful slow cooker chicken:

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker:** Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and lower temperatures, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Keep the ingredients below the fill line.
* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken (Optional):** While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, bone-in, skin-on pieces often result in more flavorful and moist meat. You can remove the skin after cooking if desired.
* **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor and improves its texture. This step is optional, but recommended for certain recipes.
* **Adjust Cooking Times:** Slow cookers vary, so adjust cooking times as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Thicken Sauces (If Needed):** Slow cooking can sometimes result in watery sauces. Thicken the sauce at the end by whisking together cornstarch and cold water (a slurry) and stirring it into the sauce. Cook until thickened.
* **Don’t Open the Lid Too Often:** Opening the lid releases heat and extends the cooking time. Try to resist the urge to peek!

A Week of Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners

Here are seven delicious and easy slow cooker chicken recipes to get you through the week:

Monday: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

This bright and flavorful chicken is perfect for a light and refreshing Monday night dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. If using bone-in, skin-on chicken, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps with browning if you choose to sear.
2. **Optional: Searing:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
3. Place lemon slices in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Rub the herb mixture over the chicken pieces.
6. Place the chicken on top of the lemon slices in the slow cooker.
7. Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
10. Shred the chicken (if desired). Discard the lemon slices.
11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot easier! This recipe is perfect for a fun and customizable weeknight meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
* 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* Taco shells or tortillas
* Toppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges

**Instructions:**

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
3. Pour diced tomatoes and green chilies and chicken broth over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
7. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Wednesday: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These BBQ chicken sandwiches are a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a casual Wednesday night.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 bottle (18 ounces) BBQ sauce
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
* Hamburger buns
* Coleslaw (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using).
3. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the BBQ sauce.
7. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw (optional).

Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly Thursday evening.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 can (12 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

**Instructions:**

1. Place chicken thighs (or breasts) in the slow cooker.
2. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
3. Add carrots, celery, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Stir in the biscuit dough pieces.
8. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
9. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Friday: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This sweet and savory chicken is a great way to celebrate the end of the week.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons cold water
* Sesame seeds and green onions, sliced (for garnish)
* Cooked rice, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Place chicken thighs (or breasts) in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
8. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
10. Serve over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Saturday: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This creamy and flavorful Indian-inspired dish is perfect for a relaxing Saturday night.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
* 1/4 cup tomato paste
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 tablespoon garam masala
* 1 teaspoon turmeric
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
* Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Place chicken pieces, onion, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, butter, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Stir well before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over cooked rice or with naan bread.

Sunday: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

End the week with a fiesta! These slow cooker chicken fajitas are easy to make and perfect for a family-friendly Sunday dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 onion, sliced
* 1 packet (1 ounce) fajita seasoning
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* Tortillas
* Toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes

**Instructions:**

1. Place chicken breasts, bell pepper slices, and onion slices in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
7. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Beyond the Recipes: Customizing Your Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners

The beauty of slow cooker chicken is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Here are some ideas:

* **Spice it Up:** Add chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Add Vegetables:** Include your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, or broccoli.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or curry sauce.
* **Add Beans:** Add canned beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas, for extra protein and fiber.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Slow cooker chicken leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken dinners are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With these seven delicious and easy recipes, you can enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a week of effortless and delicious chicken dinners!