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Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Figuring out what to make for dinner always seems to end up being more complicated than it needs to be. It’s a challenge to get something everyone likes on the table at just the right time. However, there is one tool we’ve loved for ages that takes out some of the guesswork: the
slow cooker
.
The slow cooker can transform almost anything. Its super power is transforming your everyday chicken breast into a delicious, flavorful bite that everyone at your table will enjoy.
We know you might question how this cut of white meat can become a melt-in-your-mouth moment, but cooking the meat low and slow allows for the flavors to sink in, and for the meat to basically fall right off the bone. We’ve pulled together a handful of our favorite slow cooker recipes that transform
chicken breast
into a delicious meal.
01
of 15
Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken
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Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This recipe calls for a whole chicken, but you can substitute an equal amount of bone-in chicken breasts. Either way, you’ll end up with tangy, fall-off-the-bone meat that goes with any side dish on your table.
02
of 15
Slow-Cooker Chicken And Dumplings
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This recipe has noodle-like dumplings, often called « slicks, » that are made from a simple dough that’s rolled and cut into square pieces.
03
of 15
Chicken And Cornbread Dumplings
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Iain Bagwell
Chicken and Dumplings holds a special place in most Southerners hearts, and this version might just be the easiest way to get your fix. In just three steps, you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s sure to satisfy.
04
of 15
Mississippi Chicken
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Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Inspired by the classic
Mississippi Pot Roast
, we created this recipe using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It still packs the same amount of heat and tang, thanks to ranch dressing mix and banana peppers.
05
of 15
Easy Enchilada Bake
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Hector Manuel Sanchez
If you’ve never made enchiladas in a slow cooker before, try this recipe tonight and you’ll be convinced. The base of enchilada sauce, chicken, black beans, and corn is topped with a layer of cheesy cornbread.
06
of 15
Chicken, Sweet Potato, And Corn Slow-Cooker Chowder
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Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
A cup of chicken soup soothes the soul, and this particular recipe is full of nutrients that are sure to make you feel good. Everything from chicken breasts and sweet potatoes to cream and hot sauce make this dish check all the boxes and then some.
07
of 15
Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches
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Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
This recipe is made with a whole chicken, but you can substitute four bone-in breasts, if you prefer. Don’t skip the homemade white barbecue sauce—it’s the star of the dish.
08
of 15
Lemon Chicken Soup
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Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey
This brightly flavored slow cooker chicken-and-orzo soup is so easy to prepare, and it makes a lot—9 cups—so you can enjoy it all week long, or freeze some for future meals.
09
of 15
Marry Me Chicken Soup
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Even if you’re already married (or have no plans to be!) you’ll love this slow cooker soup flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and spinach make each bite so satisfying.
10
of 15
Gumbo-Style Turkey Soup
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Greg DuPree
This slow cooker soup was created to use up leftover
Thanksgiving turkey
, but shredded cooked chicken works just as well. Andouille sausage, Creole seasoning, and rice make this soup hearty and gumbo-like.
11
of 15
Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Swap in chicken breasts in this recipe if you prefer white meat. They’ll soak up the flavorful spices all day long.
12
of 15
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Skyler Burt; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
This dip recipe makes good use of leftover cooked chicken you have in the fridge. Chop up 12 oz. of chicken breast and let it melt into a cheesy Buffalo sauce for a pre-dinner warmup.
13
of 15
Slow-Cooker Taco Soup
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Shredded chicken breast can be used in this recipe in place of ground beef. Dump it in the slow cooker with taco seasoning and cans of beans and tomatoes for and easy (and very customizable) meal.
14
of 15
Slow-Cooker Chicken Soup
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Iain Bagwell
While some prefer savory chicken thighs in this soup, bone-in chicken breast works just as well. After six hours of simmering with leeks, carrots, garlic, and herbs, the flavorful meat will fall right off the bone.
15
of 15
White Bean Chicken Chili
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While you can use shredded rotisserie chicken in this recipe, bone-in chicken breasts make the broth of this soup extra rich, along with lots of Cheddar cheese.