One of the best parts about winter is cozying up with your favorite soup! And thanks to crockpots, cooking soups, stews and casseroles is fast and simple. Most of the time, you’ll dump in the ingredients, set the timer and let the food simmer all day! Your food will taste delicious and your house will smell even better. Plus, cleanup is minimal. It doesn’t get any better than this!
For the nights when you don’t want to order from a chicken restaurant or cook a labor intensive meal, a crockpot meal will make a great dinner! Here are some of our favorite crockpot chicken recipes to try this winter. Even the kids will love these chicken-inspired dishes!
Chicken cacciatore is the perfect candidate for a crockpot meal because the vegetables have the chance to meld together, creating a flavorful stew. And with all the fresh veggies - carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes - it’s easy to get a full serving of vegetables! Chicken cacciatore does best with bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, but you use chicken breasts if you want fewer calories.
Everyone loves chicken alfredo - and the crockpot allows you to set it and forget it instead of sitting over a hot stove. Chicken thighs are the recommended choice because dark meat is more forgiving in a slow cooker, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders if you prefer. You can also change up your pasta and mix in some greens or another lean protein like salmon.
Chicken tortilla soup makes a great weeknight dinner - and most of the ingredients you can find in your pantry! Simply dump in the ingredients - onions, garlic, tomatoes, etc. - and let the flavors mix together. The only extra step is to shred the chicken breasts. When the soup is done cooking, top with crunchy tortilla strips made from fresh tortilla shells.
Tacos are a staple on most people’s menus - and for good reason! Tacos are quick, easy and healthy - and you can put the toppings of your choice on each one. This recipe uses three pounds of chicken breast and minimal ingredients - salsa, limes and taco seasoning. You can even freeze the leftovers for up to six months, making this a great make-ahead recipe!
Perfect for the winter as well as the summer, pulled chicken is one of the tastiest, easiest meals to make in the slow cooker! This recipe uses chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Coat the chicken with the sauce and let it cook in the crockpot for hours. You can then shred the BBQ chicken and add it to sandwiches, wraps or salads.
Using a slow cooker isn’t just fast and easy - it also helps tenderize meat and bring flavor to foods. Embrace winter this year by cooking a few of these recipes in the crockpot. You’ll get a fresh, healthy meal on the table with minimal effort!