The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Busy Families
Are you juggling work, kids, and a million other responsibilities? Meal prep doesn’t have to be another stressor in your life. This crockpot chicken recipe is here to save the day! With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have tender, flavorful chicken that works for multiple meals—like chicken salad, loaded baked potatoes, tacos, wraps, and more. Whether you’re planning ahead for the week or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is as versatile as it is simple.
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Why Crockpot Chicken is a Game-Changer
When life gets hectic, the crockpot becomes a kitchen hero. It takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Toss in your ingredients, hit a button, and hours later, you have a meal—or in this case, a base for several meals. This crockpot chicken recipe is not just easy to make, but also budget-friendly and perfect for meal preppers looking to save time during the week.
What's more? This chicken is cooked with onions, celery, and a splash of chicken broth, making it incredibly moist and flavorful, even before you dress it up for your favorite recipes.
Here’s What You’ll Need
For the base recipe:
2-3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 cup or less of low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing the onions and chopping the celery. These veggies add subtle flavor and keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
Layer the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the diced onions and chopped celery on top.
Pour the Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This prevents the chicken from drying out and enhances its flavor.
Set It and Forget It: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred or chop.
Shred or Chunk It: Once done, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it for tacos, pulled barbecue sandwiches, or wraps. Alternatively, cut it into chunks for recipes like chicken salad or casseroles.
And that’s it—your perfectly cooked chicken is ready to transform into a variety of meals!
Create Multiple Meals with This Versatile Chicken
Once you’ve prepared your crockpot chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas on how you can use this flexible base across multiple dishes throughout the week.
Chicken Salad: Turn your shredded chicken into a flavorful salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a topping for greens.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Use the chicken as a savory topping for baked potatoes. Add cheese, sour cream, and chives for a comforting dinner.
Tacos or Quesadillas: Toss the chicken with taco seasoning and use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas.
Soups and Stews: Add it to chicken noodle soup or a hearty stew for an easy, warming meal.
Pasta Dishes: Mix the chicken into creamy Alfredo or spicy marinara for a quick pasta dinner.
Here are a few other recipes from the blog that everyone loves:
Protein Packed Asian Beef Bowl
Flavor Packed Chicken Buddha Bowl
Tips & Tricks for Shredding and Storing Your Crockpot Chicken
Want to make your crockpot chicken recipe even easier? Check out these pro tips for shredding and storing leftovers.
Shredding Hacks
Hand Mixer Method: For super quick shredding, place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and use a handheld electric mixer. It will shred the chicken in seconds!
Two-Fork Method: The old-school way still works like a charm. Use two forks and gently pull the chicken apart.
Storing and Freezing
Refrigerate your cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for longer storage! Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags and label with the date. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to use it.
Cook, Enjoy, Repeat
Crockpot Chicken is as simple as it gets, and it’s healthy, and delicious solution to busy weeknights. This recipe combines the freedom of a set-it-and-forget-it approach with the joy of sitting down to enjoy a wholesome, homemade dinner.
What makes it better? It's versatile, forgiving, and designed for success whether you're a seasoned cook or just learning the ropes of your crockpot.
Time to make your kitchen smell amazing. Gather your ingredients, dust off that crockpot, and treat yourself to this flavorful dish. Your future self will thank you.
The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Busy Families

Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing the onions and chopping the celery. These veggies add subtle flavor and keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
- Layer the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the diced onions and chopped celery on top.
- Pour the Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This prevents the chicken from drying out and enhances its flavor.
- Set It and Forget It: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred or chop.
- Shred or Chunk It: Once done, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it for tacos, pulled barbecue sandwiches, or wraps. Alternatively, cut it into chunks for recipes like chicken salad or casseroles.
- And that’s it—your perfectly cooked chicken is ready to transform into a variety of meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
346Fat
8 gSat. Fat
2 gCarbs
4 gFiber
1 gNet carbs
3 gSugar
2 gProtein
62 gSodium
412 mgCholesterol
181 mgThe nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Try this Recipe and Share Your Creation!
We’d love to hear about your cooking experience—snap a picture of your Teriyaki Chicken masterpiece, share it on social media, and tag us at @angiebloom. Let's spread the love for easy, healthy meals one dish at a time!
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