11 Crockpot Recipes Chicken Dump and Go Weeknight Dinners

Tired of Stressful Weeknight Dinners?

The daily struggle of figuring out what to make for dinner can be exhausting, especially on busy weeknights. Crockpot “dump and go” chicken recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep for a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. As a busy parent, I know the 5 PM scramble is real.

That’s why I’ve relied on these tested-and-perfected dump-and-go recipes for years—they’re lifesavers. You simply add all your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a flavorful meal that saves time, reduces stress, and pleases the whole family.

11 Insanely Easy Crockpot Chicken “Dump and Go” Recipes for 2025

Ready to reclaim your evenings? We’ve compiled a list of the absolute best, most flavorful, and easiest crockpot chicken recipes out there. Each of these 11 recipes has been selected for its simplicity and consistently delicious results, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks. From zesty tacos to the creamiest comfort food, there’s a new family favorite waiting for you.

1. Crockpot White Chicken Chili
2. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
3. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
4. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
5. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
6. Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
7. Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken
8. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
9. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
10. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken
11. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

1. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

This creamy and hearty chili is a fantastic dump-and-go meal that feels gourmet with minimal effort.

• Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sour cream, cream cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine chicken, white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, and all spices in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
  4. Stir in sour cream and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve warm with optional toppings like lime juice, cilantro, or shredded cheese.

Pro-Tip: For an even creamier texture, use a hand mixer directly in the crockpot (on low speed) to shred the chicken and blend the cream cheese in seconds.

Pin this cozy chili recipe for your next comfort food craving!

2. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

This is the easiest and most versatile shredded chicken recipe you will ever make, perfect for tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls.

• Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 jar of your favorite salsa. Optional: chicken broth.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
  3. Pour the entire jar of salsa over the top.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
  5. Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce. Serve in tortillas.

Lesson Learned: Don’t drain the salsa! The liquid is essential for creating a juicy, flavorful chicken. If you prefer a saucier result, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth at the beginning.

Save this for your next Taco Tuesday!

3. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

This simple recipe delivers a sweet, savory, and sticky honey garlic sauce that rivals any takeout dish.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, lime juice. Optional: cornstarch slurry for thickening.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and lime juice.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Optional: To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water), cook on high for 15 minutes, then return chicken.

Pro-Tip: For the best sticky sauce, use chicken thighs. Their higher fat content renders down and creates a richer, more flavorful glaze than chicken breasts.

Need a dinner faster than takeout? Pin this now!

4. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

This viral recipe is famous for a reason; it packs an unbelievably savory and tangy flavor punch with just a few simple ingredients.

• Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 packet au jus gravy mix, unsalted butter, whole pepperoncini peppers (plus some juice).
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the ranch and au jus mixes over the chicken.
  3. Place slices of butter on top of the chicken.
  4. Add several pepperoncini peppers and a splash of their juice.
  5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  6. Shred the chicken and serve on sandwiches or over rice.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the pepperoncini juice! It’s the secret ingredient that cuts through the richness of the butter and gravy mixes, providing the signature tangy flavor.

Pin the recipe that’s packed with unbelievable flavor!

5. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, creating a rich and savory gravy perfect for smothering mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 packet of chicken gravy mix (or use chicken broth and seasonings).
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth (or gravy mix prepared according to package).
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Shred the chicken and stir. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Lesson Learned: For the richest gravy, use a good quality chicken broth instead of water if your gravy mix calls for it. It makes a world of difference in the final flavor.

Save this ultimate comfort food recipe for a rainy day!

6. Crockpot Fiesta Chicken

This creamy, versatile, and protein-packed chicken is a meal prep superstar, perfect for creating delicious burrito bowls, tacos, or even a party dip.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cream cheese, salsa, frozen corn, canned black beans (rinsed), taco seasoning.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Top with cream cheese, salsa, corn, black beans, and taco seasoning.
  3. Do not stir. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Once cooked, shred the chicken and stir everything together until creamy and well combined.
  5. Serve in burritos, bowls, or as a dip with tortilla chips.

Pro-Tip: For the creamiest result, use full-fat block cream cheese. Place it on top of the chicken so it melts down into a sauce rather than scorching on the bottom.

Your meal prep just got a major upgrade. Pin this recipe!

7. Crockpot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Making fall-apart tender, saucy BBQ chicken for sandwiches has never been easier than with this simple crockpot recipe.

• Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together all remaining ingredients to create the sauce.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Shred the chicken with two forks in the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce.

Lesson Learned: A splash of apple cider vinegar is the key to balancing the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and brown sugar. It adds a tangy depth that makes the flavor pop.

Get ready for the best BBQ chicken sandwich of your life. Pin this!

8. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe makes a classic, soul-warming chicken noodle soup with tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables, all with the convenience of your slow cooker.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, a bay leaf, egg noodles, fresh parsley, lemon juice.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and dried herbs in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Remove chicken and shred. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
  4. Return shredded chicken to the pot, add the egg noodles, and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
  5. Stir in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Pro-Tip: Always add the noodles at the very end of cooking. If you add them at the beginning, they will turn to mush. Adding fresh parsley and lemon juice at the end brightens up the whole soup.

Pin this for the next time you need a bowl of comfort!

9. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This semi-homemade version delivers creamy, comforting chicken and fluffy dumplings with almost no work, thanks to refrigerated biscuits.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, refrigerated biscuits. Optional: frozen peas and carrots.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
  3. Shred the chicken in the pot. If using, stir in frozen vegetables.
  4. Cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them into the simmering broth.
  5. Cover and cook on high for another hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Lesson Learned: Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking! Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for making the biscuits light and fluffy, not dense and doughy.

The coziest dinner ever is just a pin away!

10. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

This recipe creates a bright, zesty, and savory chicken that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs or breasts, minced garlic, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, butter.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and all seasonings.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken and top with pats of butter.
  4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  5. Serve with the pan juices over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Pro-Tip: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for this recipe. The bottled juice lacks the bright, aromatic oils found in the zest, which is what gives the dish its signature fresh flavor.

Pin this bright and zesty dinner idea for tonight!

11. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This trendy dish features an irresistibly creamy and flavorful garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, and it’s shockingly easy to make in the crockpot.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), grated Parmesan cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour over the chicken.
  3. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Cooking on high is not recommended as it can scorch the cream sauce.
  4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  5. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

Lesson Learned: It is crucial to cook this recipe on LOW. High heat can cause the cream sauce to separate or curdle. Patience is key to achieving that perfectly creamy, restaurant-worthy sauce.

Ready for a proposal-worthy dinner? Save this recipe now!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Effortless Crockpot Chicken Dinners

• Embrace “Dump and Go”: The easiest weeknight meals involve adding all ingredients to the crockpot at once with no pre-cooking required.
• Low and Slow is Key: For the most tender, juicy chicken (especially in cream-based sauces), cooking on the “low” setting for a longer period is almost always better.
• Don’t Fear Raw Chicken: It is perfectly safe to put raw chicken directly into a slow cooker as the prolonged, moist heat cooks it thoroughly.
• Unlock Flavor at the End: Add fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro), citrus juice (like lemon or lime), and dairy (like cream cheese or sour cream) in the final 30 minutes of cooking for the freshest flavor and best texture.

People Also Ask About crockpot recipes chicken

Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow cooker cooks foods at a low, consistent temperature for a prolonged period, which is more than sufficient to bring the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method is excellent for making chicken tender and juicy.

How do I keep chicken juicy in a crockpot?

To keep chicken juicy, use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they have a higher fat content. Avoid overcooking; stick to the recipe’s recommended cook time. Ensure there is enough liquid (like broth, salsa, or sauce) to partially submerge the chicken, which helps it steam and stay moist. Finally, always cook on the “low” setting when possible.

What is the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot?

There is no functional difference. “Crock-Pot” is a brand name for a type of slow cooker, much like “Kleenex” is a brand of facial tissue. The terms are used interchangeably. All Crock-Pots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are made by the Crock-Pot brand. They both perform the same function of cooking food slowly at a low temperature.

What can I make in the slow cooker with chicken?

The possibilities are nearly endless. You can make shredded chicken for tacos, sandwiches, and bowls (like BBQ or salsa chicken). You can create hearty soups and chilis, comforting dishes like chicken and dumplings, and flavorful meals like honey garlic chicken or Marry Me chicken. The slow cooker is perfect for any recipe where chicken benefits from long, slow cooking.

Final Thoughts

We hope these 11 dump-and-go recipes bring some ease and flavor back to your weeknights. Reclaiming your evenings from dinner-time stress is possible, and your slow cooker is the key.

Which one are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below