Best 3 Slow Cooker Make Ahead Chicken Recipes

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Craving a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than our collection of slow-cooker make-ahead chicken recipes. From classic comfort food to globally-inspired flavors, these recipes offer a diverse range of culinary adventures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in the rich, fall-off-the-bone tenderness of our Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, where succulent chicken pieces are smothered in a luscious glaze of honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Mexico with our Slow-Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken, featuring tender chicken enveloped in a zesty tomatillo-based sauce. For a taste of the Mediterranean, try our Slow-Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken, where chicken breasts are infused with a symphony of aromatic herbs and bright citrus flavors. These recipes are not only incredibly flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

Additional recipes in the article:

- Slow-Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken: A luscious and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and a velvety sauce infused with Italian herbs.

- Slow-Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A healthier take on a classic takeout dish, featuring shredded chicken tossed in a flavorful Asian sauce and served in lettuce cups.

- Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A hearty and comforting classic, with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth that will warm you from the inside out.

- Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Tacos: A fun and easy party favorite, where crispy buffalo chicken is nestled in soft tortillas and topped with your favorite taco fixings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SLOW-COOKER MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN



Slow-Cooker Make-Ahead Chicken image

Juicy, cooked chicken is the start to so many favorite meals, from cold chicken salad to warming bowls of chicken noodle soup. That's why we adore this recipe. Its seasoning is neutral enough to go with most any dish and, parceled out in bags in the freezer, it's a dinnertime game changer. With two easy methods, it's easy to make this recipe just about any time. Start it while you're prepping dinner on a Tuesday night, and it'll be done cooking and cool enough to put away by the time dinner's over. Or, go the slow-cooker method, and you can run out the door to do errands, pick up kids or dare we say it-just relax-while your chicken is cooking away! With bags of already cooked chicken parceled out in your fridge, there's no cold that can't be soothed or sandwich that can't be filled.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 3h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

Steps:

  • Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, garlic powder and ground red pepper. Add chicken; turn to coat.
  • Add chicken to slow cooker; pour 1/4 cup water over chicken. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  • Transfer chicken to cutting board; cool slightly. Shred chicken, then toss with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Discard remaining liquid.
  • To Freeze: Divide chicken into 2 portions (about 2 cups each). Place each portion in freezer container or resealable freezer plastic bag. Label with date. Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour. Transfer to freezer; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. Use in recipes calling for cooked chicken.
  • To Make in Oven: Heat oven to 425°F. Place rack in large rimmed sheet pan. Spray rack and pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, garlic powder and ground red pepper. Add chicken; turn to coat. Place in single layer on rack in pan. Roast 33 to 38 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of largest thigh reads 180°F and meat is tender enough to shred. Remove from oven; let rest until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Shred chicken with 2 forks. Toss shredded chicken in pan liquid to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210, Carbohydrate 0 g, Cholesterol 135 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize About 1/2 Cup, Sodium 550 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

MAKE-AHEAD SLOW-COOKER ASIAN PEACH CHICKEN THIGHS



Make-Ahead Slow-Cooker Asian Peach Chicken Thighs image

A little bit of sweet, a little bit of heat and a whole lot of easy - this make-ahead slow-cooker meal is sure to please both the diners and the chef.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 16h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
20 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 bag (12 oz) frozen sliced peaches
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 cups hot cooked white rice
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped roasted, salted cashews
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • In labeled 1-gallon freezer bag, place honey, soy sauce, melted butter and chili garlic sauce; seal bag. Knead bag to mix well. Add chicken and frozen peaches; squeeze bag to thoroughly coat chicken and peaches in sauce. Lay flat, and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Thaw 12 to 24 hours in refrigerator, until completely thawed.
  • Pour contents of bag into 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 5 hours.
  • In small bowl, beat cornstarch and cold water. Quickly stir into chicken mixture in slow cooker; cover. Increase heat to High heat setting; cook 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened.
  • Divide rice among 4 bowls. Divide chicken mixture among bowls of rice. Top with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1480 mg, Sugar 23 g, TransFat 0 g

CHICKEN-MAKE-AHEAD SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN PAPRIKASH RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Chicken-Make-Ahead Slow-Cooker Chicken Paprikash Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by á-47256

Number Of Ingredients 14

Packed with smoked paprika, garlic and bell peppers, this flavorful freezer to slow cooker make-ahead chicken dinner will have you craving even more delicious Central European fare.
Ingredients
To Freeze/Slow Cook
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons salt
4 cloves garlic, peeled
20 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs save $
3 red and/or yellow bell peppers, cut into large strips
1 large onion, halved and cut into 1/2-inch slices
To Serve
4 cups hot cooked white rice
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill weed

Steps:

  • In large bowl, mix tomatoes, paprika, salt and garlic. Add chicken, bell peppers and onion; mix well. Divide evenly between two labeled 1-gallon freezer bags. Lay flat, and freeze up to 3 months. 2. Thaw 12 to 24 hours in refrigerator, until completely thawed. 3. Pour contents of bags into 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 5 hours. 4. Divide rice among 8 bowls. Divide chicken mixture among bowls of rice. Top each bowl with 1 tablespoon sour cream and 3/4 teaspoon dill.

Tips:

  • Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and quickly in the slow cooker. You can also use a whole chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Season the chicken well: A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is all you need to create a flavorful chicken dish. You can also add other herbs and spices to taste, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe calls for a combination of carrots, celery, and onions, but you can use any vegetables you like. Some other good options include potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips.
  • Add moisture: If you are using a leaner cut of chicken, you may want to add some moisture to the slow cooker. This can be done by adding a cup of chicken broth or water, or by placing the chicken on a bed of vegetables.
  • Cook on low for best results: Cooking the chicken on low for 6-8 hours will result in tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. If you are short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours, but the chicken will not be as tender.

Conclusion:

This slow cooker make-ahead chicken is a delicious and easy way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table. With just a few simple ingredients and a little prep work, you can have a delicious chicken dinner ready to enjoy whenever you need it. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad, and enjoy!

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