There are nights when you totally forget to thaw the chicken. That is probably the exact reason why these recipes were created. Dump the frozen chicken breasts straight into the slow cooker, add some seasoning, and then go do whatever you need to do because dinner is done. Below are 24 warm, cozy, and effortless meals to save you on your busiest weeknights.
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1) BBQ Honey Garlicky Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and garlicky, your whole kitchen will smell incredible!
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BBQ Honey Garlicky Chicken
Slow cooking freezes chicken in a BBQ sauce and garlic which makes the chicken so tender that it will start to break apart.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar, and paprika, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred or slice the chicken right in the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve over rice or piled onto buns.
Notes
Reserve a little extra BBQ sauce to brush on after shredding for extra sticky goodness.
2) Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Rich and dreamy, studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Chicken that has been tenderly simmered in parmesan cream sauce along with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy spinach.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker with the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for about 5 and a half hours until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the spinach and cook for another 20 minutes until wilted.
- Slice or shred the chicken and serve over pasta.
Notes
If the sauce is thin, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry near the end.
3) Zesty Lime Chili Chicken
The combination of bright lime with a mild chili warmth is dangerously addictive!
Zesty Lime Chili Chicken
Chicken that has been frozen and then prepared in a tangy sauce that contains both lime and chili, is ideal for use in taco bowls.
Ingredients
Method
- Add the frozen chicken to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the lime juice, chili powder, cumin, broth, garlic, and honey, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the cooking liquid and stir to soak up the flavor.
- Serve in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Reserve some lime zest to stir in at the end for an extra zesty pop.
4) Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken
Sweet pineapple and zesty teriyaki sauce bring together a tropical win for the weeknight meals.
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple chunks and chicken slow-cooked in shiny teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger over the top, then scatter the pineapple chunks around.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the saucy pineapple over the top.
- Serve over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion.
Notes
Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry on high for the last 20 minutes if you like it glossy.
5) Lemon Herb Chicken Stew
With a soothing broth and a bright touch from lemon and fresh herbs.
Lemon Herb Chicken Stew
This chicken stew has potatoes, carrots, and comforting lemony herb broth that warms you right up!
Ingredients
Method
- Add the frozen chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onion to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the broth and add the thyme and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Shred the chicken into the stew and stir in the lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and ladle into bowls.
Notes
A handful of fresh parsley stirred in at the end keeps it tasting fresh.
6) Coconut Curry Chicken
When frozen chicken is mixed with creamy coconut and warm curry spice, magic is created.
Coconut Curry Chicken
Chicken cooked in a coconut curry sauce with a rich, mild spice level. Perfect for spooning over rice.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the coconut milk, curry paste, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice or cube the chicken and stir it back into the curry sauce.
- Serve over jasmine rice with fresh basil or cilantro.
Notes
A squeeze of lime at the end balances the richness beautifully.
7) Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Buffalo sauce and ranch are perfect for any game day or any day!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Chicken cooked in a slow cooker with buffalo sauce and ranch is ready to be shredded for use in wraps and sliders.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the buffalo sauce and broth over the top, then sprinkle on the ranch seasoning and dot with butter.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken right in the sauce and stir until well coated.
- Pile onto buns or into wraps with extra ranch and celery.
Notes
Stir in a couple ounces of cream cheese at the end for a richer dip-style filling.
8) Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic, parmesan, and buttery.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Slow-cooked tender chicken in creamy garlic parmesan sauce is pure comfy cozy.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker with the garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for about 5 and a half hours until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan until you have a smooth sauce.
- Cook for another 20 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the garlic parmesan sauce over the top.
Notes
Serve over buttered noodles to soak up every bit of that sauce.
9) Maple Dijon Chicken
Tangy mustard and sweet maple syrup are deliciously perfect.
Maple Dijon Chicken
Chicken slow-cooked in a lovestruck maple Dijon glaze. Sweet and sassy!
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon, vinegar, garlic, and broth, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the maple Dijon sauce over the top.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Notes
Reduce the leftover sauce in a pan for a thicker, more syrupy glaze.
10) Peach Balsamic Chicken
This tastes like late summer due to the juicy peaches and tangy balsamic.
Peach Balsamic Chicken
Frozen chicken simmered with sweet peaches and balsamic sauce to create a jammy, savory-sweet sauce.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker and scatter the peach slices around it.
- Whisk together the balsamic, honey, garlic, and thyme, then pour over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and the peaches are jammy.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the peach balsamic sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra thyme and serve.
Notes
Frozen peaches work just as well if fresh aren't in season.
11) Salsa Verde Chicken
While you stay busy doing other things, tangy green salsa takes care of all the work for you.
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Salsa Verde Chicken
Cooked frozen chicken with zesty salsa verde which is great for tacos, burritos and bowls.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the salsa verde over the top and sprinkle with cumin and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the salsa and stir to coat.
- Stir in fresh cilantro and serve in tortillas or over rice.
Notes
A squeeze of lime and crumbled cotija take this right over the top.
12) Thai Peanut Chicken
You don't need to get takeout when you can make your own peanut sauce that is creamy with a touch of lime and kick of spice.
Thai Peanut Chicken
Chicken that has been slow cooked in savory Thai peanut sauce which is begging to be served with noodles.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and sriracha until smooth, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice or shred the chicken and stir it back into the peanut sauce.
- Serve over rice noodles topped with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Notes
Thin the sauce with a splash of warm water if it gets too thick.
13) Pesto Parmesan Chicken
With no effort, you can experience the delightful Italian flavors of basil pesto and parmesan.
Pesto Parmesan Chicken
Slow-cooked chicken with basil pesto and parmesan makes a cheesy, herby easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker and pour in the broth.
- Spoon the pesto over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for about 5 and a half hours until tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan until you have a creamy sauce.
- Cook for another 20 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the pesto cream sauce over the top.
Notes
A handful of halved cherry tomatoes stirred in at the end adds color and freshness.
14) Honey Sriracha Chicken
Hits all the right notes with sweet heat for fans of spiciness.
Honey Sriracha Chicken
Frozen chicken cooked with a honey sriracha glaze, which has a sweetness at the start and a gradual spiciness on the back end.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice or shred the chicken and toss it in the sticky glaze.
- Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion.
Notes
Adjust the sriracha up or down to dial the heat for your crew.
15) Sweet and Sour Chicken
The classic sweet-tangy flavor of takeout made easy and hands-off at home.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and bell peppers cooked in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the ketchup, pineapple juice, vinegar, and brown sugar, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for about 5 and a half hours.
- Add the bell pepper and pineapple chunks and cook for another 30 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Cube the chicken, stir everything together, and serve over rice.
Notes
Add a cornstarch slurry in the last half hour for that classic glossy texture.
16) Rosemary Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic vinegar and rosemary seem fancy, but require zero effort!
Rosemary Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic chicken with rosemary and garlic chicken cooked in a balsamic sauce with fresh rosemary and garlic.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the balsamic, broth, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and honey, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the rosemary balsamic sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra rosemary and serve with roasted potatoes.
Notes
Simmer the leftover sauce on the stove to reduce it into a richer glaze.
17) Sesame Ginger Chicken
Sesame and ginger provide a rich taste using just a few ingredients found in your pantry.
Sesame Ginger Chicken
The savory sesame ginger sauce that is perfect for chicken and goes great over rice or noodles is now available.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice or shred the chicken and toss it in the sesame ginger sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion and serve over rice.
Notes
A splash of rice vinegar at the end brightens up the whole dish.
18) Mango Chipotle Chicken
Sweet mango combines with smoky chipotle to create flavors you will keep returning for.
Mango Chipotle Chicken
Frozen chicken cooked in a deliciously sweet chipotle mango sauce. Great for tacos and rice bowls!
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir together the mango, chipotle peppers, broth, lime juice, garlic, and cumin, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and stir it into the smoky mango sauce.
- Serve in tortillas with avocado and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Start with one chipotle if your crew is sensitive to heat, then add more to taste.
19) Butter Chicken
Spicy and creamy perfection that can be made in your slow cooker!
Butter Chicken
Delicious chicken covered in a mildly spiced, rich and creamy tomato sauce that is just like your favorite Indian takeout.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker with the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, butter, ginger, and garlic.
- Cover and cook on low for about 5 and a half hours until the chicken is tender.
- Cube or shred the chicken, then stir in the heavy cream.
- Cook for another 20 minutes until the sauce is rich and warmed through.
- Serve over basmati rice with naan and fresh cilantro.
Notes
A pinch of sugar smooths out the tomatoes if the sauce tastes too sharp.
20) Italian Herb Chicken
It's herby and simple, plus goes with any dinner!
Italian Herb Chicken
Slow-cooked frozen chicken in a delicious tomato and Italian herb sauce that you can use in so many ways.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker and pour in the broth.
- Spoon the marinara over the top and add the Italian seasoning and garlic.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the herby tomato sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
Notes
Add a slice of mozzarella on top and broil briefly for a chicken parm vibe.
21) Sweet Chili Chicken
Sticky and sweet and just a touch spicy, this one disappears quickly.
Sweet Chili Chicken
Slow-cooked chicken with sweet, garlicky, and a touch spicy glossy sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice or shred the chicken and toss it in the sticky sauce.
- Serve over rice with chopped green onion and cilantro.
Notes
A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds a nice crunch on top.
22) Garlic Lemon Chicken
Bright lemon and loads of garlic make this dish light and fresh.
Garlic Lemon Chicken
Slow-cooking frozen chicken in a lemon garlic broth will brighten up your day!
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the lemon juice and broth, then add the garlic, butter, and oregano.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the garlicky lemon broth over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices and serve with rice or potatoes.
Notes
Stir in the zest of one lemon at the end for an extra bright pop.
23) Tangy Orange Chicken
All the super sweet and sticky orange flavor of takeout, done hands off.
Tangy Orange Chicken
Frozen chicken simmered in a zesty orange sauce that is sweet and sticky without the cloying sugar feeling.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and orange zest, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Cube or shred the chicken and toss it in the orange sauce.
- Serve over rice with sesame seeds and green onion.
Notes
Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry in the last 20 minutes for a glossier coat.
24) Mushroom Marsala Chicken
Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms give this dish a taste of a date-night dinner.
Mushroom Marsala Chicken
For an elegant and simple meal, slow cooked succulent chicken with mushrooms in a rich cream Marsala sauce.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken in the slow cooker with the mushrooms, garlic, and butter.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and broth, cover, and cook on low for about 5 and a half hours until tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and silky.
- Cook for another 20 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Slice the chicken and spoon the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to catch all that rich sauce.