Putting a healthy chicken dinner on the table is easier than you think. Just rely on your trusty slow cooker to make these delicious dishes.

When you’re in need of a hands-off weeknight dinner that doesn’t involve a drive-thru, turn to these healthy slow-cooker chicken recipes. They transform the package of chicken in your fridge into a wide range of meals, from easy slow-cooker soups and curries to taco fillings and roasts. Made with good-for-you ingredients and containing 500 calories or less per serving, these dinners are ones you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.

1/39

Slow-Cooker Chicken Piccata

Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This Italian-inspired slow cooker dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a bright and flavorful piccata sauce. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 382 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 47g protein.
2/39

Slow-Cooker Southwest Chicken

44 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 320 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 19g protein.
3/39

Green Chicken Chili

33 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:5 hours 25 min
Servings:10 (3-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 320 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein.
4/39

Slow-Cooker Chicken and Rice

2 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy this recipe because it's healthy and budget friendly and it uses staples we keep in our freezer and pantry. My family loves it! It's perfect for busy weeknights; just let the slow cooker do the work. —Jessica Follen, Waunakee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
5/39

Creamy Italian Chicken

74 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 473 calories, 29g fat (14g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 1556mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
6/39

Slow-Cooker Harissa Chicken

Total Time:2 hours 40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This harissa chicken is made simply in the slow cooker with harissa chili paste, tomato paste, coconut milk and a few other ingredients, resulting in a creamy sauce that's perfect for serving with rice on a weeknight. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 302 calories, 14g fat (11g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.
7/39

Slow-Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

3 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You wouldn't believe this golden brown chicken was made in the slow cooker. Packed with flavor, the meat is moist, the carrots are tender, and the juices are perfect for gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
8/39

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

107 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken with 1/3 cup sauce: 342 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 958mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
9/39

Slow-Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

18 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 45 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and it needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 447 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
10/39

Chicken Taco Salad

16 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
11/39

Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

14 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator:

This is a go-to recipe when I know I'll be having a busy day. My family loves salsa, so I came up with this recipe for something to throw into a slow cooker and simmer on low. We love it served over rice or noodles, and then top it with tortilla chips and sour cream. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama

Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1-1/2 cups bean mixture: 470 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1270mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 11g fiber), 47g protein.
12/39

Lemongrass Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup

2 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is inspired by my favorite childhood Filipino soup dish, chicken tinola, which is a chicken soup simmered in gingery broth. Since I married an Italian American, I gave this dish a twist by turning it into a chicken tinola lasagna soup, adding a bit of Italian influence so my husband would enjoy it even more. —Maribeth Hanson, Londonderry, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 205 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
13/39

Slow-Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken

39 Reviews
Total Time:5 hours 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love this yummy dish! It’s a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker, and it tastes just like a meal you’d have at your favorite Indian or Thai restaurant. —Andi Kauffman, Beavercreek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 371 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
14/39

Spicy Lime Chicken

4 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've been turning this spicy lime chicken into tacos for years, but it was my son Austin who put it on cooked rice with all his favorite taco toppings. A family favorite was created out of leftovers! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
15/39

Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

60 Reviews
Total Time:5 hours 35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 336 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 56g protein.
16/39

Slow Cooker Masala Chicken and Rice

Contest Winner
Total Time:5 hours
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator:

This recipe is in regular rotation at our house. Indian spices and ground chicken come together for a new and easy take on the classic comfort food, chicken and rice. I modified this recipe to be mild in spice but strong in flavor. The ground meat makes it familiar enough that my kids will eat it, too! —Amanda Jones, Monroeville, Alabama

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 491 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1590mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
17/39

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

23 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 134 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
18/39

Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken

9 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I spent several years in Malaysia eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. This was one of my favorite dishes! There are many versions of butter chicken, but this is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 242 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
19/39

Sweet Orange Chicken

7 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without rice or noodles): 379 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
20/39

Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew

17 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 312 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/39

Chicken in Sour Cream Sauce

39 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator:

Tender chicken is deliciously dressed up in a flavorful cream sauce with fresh mushrooms. This is an excellent entree for your family or guests. —Jane Carlovsky, Sebring, Florida

Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half : 317 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 1065mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
22/39

Spicy Chicken and Rice

17 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:5 hours 50 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: As a working mom with two kids, I have little time to prepare something hearty during the week. This recipe is easily tossed together in the morning and fabulous to come home to at night. Both of my picky eaters love it! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups chicken mixture with 1 tablespoon cheese and 1 tablespoon sour cream: 389 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
23/39

Slow-Cooker Thai Peanut Noodles

1 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 5 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I like to serve these Thai peanut noodles with green onion or cilantro for pops of color and fresh flavor. —Catherine Cebula, Littleton, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 378 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/39

Caribbean Curried Chicken

2 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/39

Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast

89 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 5 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 211 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
26/39

Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots

1 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 1 cup pumpkin: 318 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
27/39

Ginger Chicken and Quinoa Stew

2 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:3 hours 55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. &mash; Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 373 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
28/39

General Tso’s Stew

11 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:2 hours 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s wonderful with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 222 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 791mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
29/39

Slow-Simmered Chicken with Raisins, Capers and Basil

Total Time:4 hours 25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Capers, golden raisins and fresh basil give this dish a sweetly savory flavor. And what's better than that? The kids LOVE it. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 250 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
30/39

Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken

20 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 435 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
31/39

Chicken Mole

6 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 25 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 311 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
32/39

Pulled Chicken Sandwich

6 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I was raised as a southern girl, with the love of barbecue built into my DNA. This slow-cooker recipe allows me to enjoy the flavors I grew up eating, while still following a healthy diet. —Heidi Mulholland, Cumming, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 296 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
33/39

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

20 Reviews
Total Time:5 hours 50 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 199 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
34/39

Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous

2 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in the slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, I whip up a spinach salad and crescent rolls to round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups chicken mixture with 1/2 cup couscous: 351 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
35/39

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

24 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:8 hours 45 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked chicken with about 1/2 cup sauce: 207 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
36/39

Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya

19 Reviews
Total Time:7 hours 40 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup jambalaya with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 387 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
37/39

Red Pepper Chicken

5 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
38/39

North African Chicken and Rice

14 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 386 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
39/39

Saucy Raspberry Chicken

2 Reviews
Total Time:5 hours 15 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken leg quarter with 1/3 cup sauce: 337 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.