Summer Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

10 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes to Make All Summer

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If the words "slow cooker chicken" conjure images of hearty stews and creamy comfort food, it's time to consider the power of the summer slow cooker. Yes, the appliance is a great tool for making cozy meals all fall and winter long, but it deserves a spot in your kitchen year-round for its ability to whip up summer-friendly meals as well. In fact, when those hot summer days roll around and it feels far too steamy to crank up the oven or stand over the stove, your slow cooker is the best solution for getting dinner on the table without making the kitchen hotter than it already is.

Not convinced? These 10 recipes are all the proof you need. From ranch chicken sandwiches to shredded BBQ chicken to saucy chicken tinga tacos, you'll want to keep these slow cooker chicken recipes on repeat all summer long.

1. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Sandwiches

If you have leftover slaw and burger buns from a recent cookout, put them to good use with this slow cooker ranch chicken. This recipe calls for making your own ranch seasoning (which is super easy!), but you can also use your favorite store-bought packet if you prefer.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Sandwiches

2. Slow Cooker Salsa Pulled Chicken

You just need two ingredients to make this dish happen: boneless, skinless chicken breasts and salsa. Just make sure the salsa is the fresh refrigerated tomato variety instead of jarred! Serve this chicken in tacos, on salads, or in burrito bowls.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Salsa Pulled Chicken

3. Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken

Does anything say summer quite like pesto? Maybe this slow cooker pesto chicken, which is great in pasta salads, wraps, and grain bowls. You can use your favorite store-bought pesto here, but now is prime time to make your own!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken

4. Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Chicken Breasts

This recipe asks you to first sear the chicken breast before adding it to the slow cooker, but if you can't fathom turning on your oven, don't worry — you can totally skip this step. Serve all summer long on salads or with a side of grilled veggies.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Chicken Breasts

5. Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga

This smoky-sweet shredded chicken tinga is the key to the best tacos you'll eat this summer. It's also great as a topping for a fresh, crunchy cabbage salad or slaw.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga

6. Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken

This easy BBQ chicken calls for only four ingredients and hardly any hands-on work. Once it's ready, serve the shredded chicken with coleslaw on a bun, or try your hand at barbecue chicken pizza (which you can totally make on the grill!).

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken

7. Trader Joe's Slow Cooker Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

This recipe leans on Trader Joe's spicy zhoug sauce (a blend of cilantro, jalapeño, red chili flakes, garlic, cardamom, and cumin) as its main flavor agent. Paired with bell peppers and olives, this slow cooker dish is bright and zippy — perfect for stuffing into pita or serving over salad greens.

Get the recipe: Trader Joe's Slow Cooker Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

8. How To Make Crispy, Juicy Chicken Thighs in the Slow Cooker

9. Kerala-Style Fennel and Anise Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

This chicken curry is light and fragrant — perfect for a chilly summer evening when you want something a bit more comforting. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa, or enjoy it in crunchy, cooling lettuce cups.

Get the recipe: Kerala-Style Fennel and Anise Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

10. Slow Cooker Thai-Style Chicken Tacos

This easy chicken comes together in the slow cooker with two additional ingredients: peanut butter and spicy sambal. Once it's ready, serve in tortillas with a side of crunchy cabbage slaw for a refreshing take on taco Tuesday.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Thai-Style Chicken Tacos

Lauren Kodiak

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Lauren is the Copy Chief for Kitchn. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and their son.

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