One of the best budget friendly options for protein is ground chicken. It's lean, and it's great for soaking up any flavors you throw at it. You can throw it into the slow cooker along with some other ingredients, and you are hands free to do whatever you want. There are 23 family approved recipes that are perfect for the slow cooker and for that pound of ground chicken!
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1) Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and great for making your house smell amazing.
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Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken in a skillet, breaking it up, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
- Stir the cornstarch with a splash of water, mix it in, and cook 15 more minutes until glossy. Serve over rice.
Notes
2) Buffalo Chicken Chili
All the spicy flavor of buffalo wings packed into a warm, spoonable bowl.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion, then add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the white beans, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy, then serve with blue cheese crumbles.
Notes
3) Chicken Taco Soup
Just toss everything in and return for a fiesta in a bowl.
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
- Season to taste and serve topped with cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips.
Notes
4) Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Tender meatballs that become sweet and sticky are ideal for dinner or a party.
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg, then roll into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs lightly in a skillet and add to the slow cooker.
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, and ginger and pour over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours until tender. Serve over rice with sesame seeds.
Notes
5) Chicken and Vegetable Stew
A hearty stick-to-your-ribs stew that works great for chilly evenings.
Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, and thyme.
- Cover and cook on low 7 hours until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
6) BBQ Chicken Sliders
Put this saucy chicken on some soft buns and see them disappear.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce and Worcestershire.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
- Pile the saucy chicken onto slider buns and serve with pickles and slaw.
Notes
7) Lemon Herb Chicken
This is a light and fresh feels lighter than your typical slow cooker meal.
Lemon Herb Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve over orzo or rice.
Notes
8) Chicken Enchilada Soup
All the things you love about enchiladas now come in a bowl!
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, broth, and corn.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and serve with tortilla strips.
Notes
9) Creamy Italian Chicken
Rich, herby, and soothing on a nest of pasta.
Creamy Italian Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
- Stir in the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then serve over pasta.
Notes
10) Chicken Stroganoff
All the creaminess is still here, this is just a lighter take on a classic.
Chicken Stroganoff
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion and add to the slow cooker.
- Add the mushrooms, broth, and flour and stir.
- Cover and cook on low 5 hours.
- Stir in the sour cream until creamy, then serve over egg noodles.
Notes
11) Thai Peanut Chicken
Peanut sauce that is sweet, spicy, and creamy? No takeout, all takeout vibes.
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Thai Peanut Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, and sriracha together.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours, then serve over rice with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Notes
12) Chicken and Lentil Curry
A protein-rich and spice-curries recipe that is deceptively simple to prepare.
Chicken and Lentil Curry
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the lentils, curry powder, coconut milk, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours until the lentils are soft.
- Season with salt and serve over rice with a sprinkle of cilantro.
Notes
13) Spanish Chicken and Rice
A one-pot meal with lots of flavors like smoke and saffron.
Spanish Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the rice, tomatoes, bell pepper, paprika, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 3 hours until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and serve garnished with peas or parsley.
Notes
14) Chicken Parmesan Sliders
With lots of sauce and cheese, you can pile these soft little buns.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the Italian seasoning and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the marinara sauce.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
- Stir in half the mozzarella, then pile onto buns, top with more cheese, and broil briefly to melt.
Notes
15) Chicken and White Bean Chili
My family's go-to is chili without the spice, and my creamy and gentle chili is the perfect option!
Chicken and White Bean Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the white beans, green chiles, cumin, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
- Stir in the sour cream until creamy and serve with cheese and cilantro.
Notes
16) Chicken Tikka Masala
The classic dish is creamy and spiced and made easy to prepare on weeknights with the slow cooker.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion and garlic and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and garam masala.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
- Stir in the heavy cream until rich and smooth, then serve over rice with naan.
Notes
17) Chicken Cacciatore
Rustic Italian comfort featuring savory tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours until the vegetables are soft.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve over pasta or polenta.
Notes
18) Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Spicy and tangy pulled chicken heaped on a toasted bun.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce and butter.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
- Pile the saucy chicken onto buns and top with ranch and crisp lettuce.
Notes
19) Chicken Fajita Casserole
All the excitement of Fajitas in a simple, cheesy bake that you can make in a slow cooker.
Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the fajita seasoning and add to the slow cooker.
- Layer in the bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on low 5 hours.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top, cook 15 minutes until melted, and serve with tortillas.
Notes
20) Mushroom Chicken Stroganoff
This stroganoff becomes even more rich and savory with the addition of extra mushrooms.
Mushroom Chicken Stroganoff
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the garlic and add to the slow cooker.
- Add the mushrooms, broth, and flour and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low 5 hours until the mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in the sour cream until creamy, then serve over noodles or mashed potatoes.
Notes
21) Italian Chicken Pasta
A yummy Herb and Sauce Pasta Dinner that everyone at your table will want to get their hands on!
Italian Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken and add it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the marinara and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low 5 hours.
- Toss the sauce with cooked penne, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve.
Notes
22) Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
Sticky and zesty meatball-style bites are perfect for dinner or as an appetizer!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg, then roll into wing-sized bites.
- Brown lightly in a skillet and add to the slow cooker.
- Whisk lemon juice, zest, garlic, and melted butter and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low 4 hours, then toss in the sauce and garnish with parsley.
Notes
23) Chicken and Black Bean Chili
This chili is hearty and smokey, and while it is great when freshly made, it gets even better as time goes on.
Chicken and Black Bean Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground chicken with the onion and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours until thick and flavorful.
- Season with salt and serve topped with cheese, sour cream, and green onion.