This slow cooker 3-ingredient chicken recipe is a delightful twist on my weeknight dinner routine. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s become the perfect solution for busy evenings at our house. In fact, this easy-to-make dish has become a staple in my dinner rotation, offering a delicious and versatile meal option.
I like to serve it over rice, with noodles, or alongside some of my favorite side dishes. This budget-friendly chicken thigh recipe is not only simple but also incredibly flavorful.
It stands out among other chicken recipes, making it a must-try for any home cook. Enjoy the convenience and taste of this slow cooker chicken dish, and add a new favorite to your menu!
Simple Crock Pot Chicken
Although I really enjoy this lemon pepper chicken, I think this slow cooker 3-ingredient recipe is just as good. Try both and decide which you prefer!
Ingredients
Yes, this delicious recipe only requires 3 ingredients. Here is what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken thighs (Yes, we’re skipping the traditional chicken breasts this time!)
- 1 package Italian dressing mix (This little packet is a game changer!)
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
How to Cook This Chicken in a Crock Pot
You can’t get much easier than this recipe.
- Prep Time: First things first, grab your Crock Pot or whatever slow cooker you have. We’re not using an Instant Pot, but you can if you prefer. Grease the bottom of the pot … Or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer It Up: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you’re a fan of chicken breast, don’t worry, this recipe works wonders with breasts too!
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken. This is where the magic happens!
- Add Liquid: Pour the cup of broth or water into the cooker. This keeps our chicken moist and tender.
- Cook It Slow: Set your cooker on low and let it do its thing for about 6 hours. If you’re in a bit of a rush, high for 3 hours works too.
Once cooked, you can serve this delightful chicken over rice, with mashed potatoes, or even shred it for a chicken tortilla soup!
What Makes This Simple Chicken Recipe so Good
There are so many reasons to love this delicious chicken. Here are a few of them:
- It’s Easy: This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for anyone who says they can’t cook. It’s practically foolproof!
- It’s Versatile: Serve it over rice, make it into chicken noodle soup, or pair it with mashed potatoes. This slow cooker chicken fits almost any side.
- It’s Healthy: Using skinless chicken thighs makes this a healthier option. You could also swap in low sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Tips and Twists for Variation
Do you love this recipe but want something a little different? Here are some tips to get the variety you crave:
- Buffalo Style: Feeling adventurous? Add some hot sauce for a pot buffalo chicken twist. If you enjoy buffalo wings, you’ll love this one.
- Honey Garlic Version: Mix in some honey and garlic for a slow cooker honey garlic chicken variation.
- Add to Soup: Shred the cooked chicken and add it to your favorite chicken soup recipe for an extra boost of flavor.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’re on a budget, that’s fine. You never have to sacrifice flavor. Here are some of our favorite comforting chicken recipes:
Chicken Rice Soup – Nothing says “comfort” more than chicken soup. This easy chicken rice soup is easy to make for either lunch or a family dinner!
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – The mixture of chicken and broccoli come together in some delightful cheesy goodness. Serve it to your family and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Tropical Island Chicken Salad – Take your tastebuds on a tropical vacation whenever the mood strikes. You’ll love how the flavors come together in the most delightful way!
Southern Fried Chicken – There’s a reason southern cooks are known for their chicken frying skills. A taste of this southern fried chicken from Julia’s Simply Southern is a prime example of why. Mmm! So good!
Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs – With a boatload of flavor from this recipe, you can put smiles on everyone’s face in an instant. It’s absolutely delicious!
Easy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings – Whether you add a sweet seasoning or choose to make these keto friendly wings, it’s easy to make them in your oven.
Not Just Another Chicken Recipe
This slow cooker simple chicken recipe is not just another chicken recipe. It shows off the wonders of slow cooking.
Whether you’re making a cozy chicken soup for weeknight dinners or just need an easy, delicious meal, this recipe has got you covered. So, grab your cooker, some chicken, and let’s make dinner the easiest part of your day!
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
You don't have to sacrifice flavor when you make this easy 3-ingredient slow cooker chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 package Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Grease or spray the bottom of your slow cooker with butter or your favorite nonstick spray.
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle one packet of Italian dressing mix over the chicken.
- Pour the liquid (either chicken broth or water) into the pot.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 291Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 168mgSodium 496mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 31g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
Susan
Friday 30th of August 2024
Hi! Can this recipe be doubled? Thanks.
southernhomeexpress
Friday 30th of August 2024
Hi Susan! Yes, you can double this recipe. Just make sure that the tops of the chicken are above the liquid so they'll brown while cooking.
Pam Kincaid
Wednesday 10th of July 2024
Could I use boneless breast. My husband won’t eat dark meat
southernhomeexpress
Wednesday 10th of July 2024
Hi Pam. You can, but it won't taste as good. If you do use chicken breast, keep the skin on it, at least until it's done. One of the things that most people like about this recipe is the crispy skin and moist, tender chicken inside.
Kitchenkats
Sunday 7th of July 2024
There's no way you can cook this with a cup of broth in a crock pot and have a crispy skin. I'm not see it. The chicken would steam and just fall off the bone when you pick it up. Please explain
Nancy
Friday 19th of July 2024
@southernhomeexpress, I'm glad you mentioned not covering the chicken with the liquid. That obviously makes more sense. I'll definitely be trying this!
southernhomeexpress
Sunday 7th of July 2024
Hi Kitchenkats. I understand your skepticism, but it does work. I've made this multiple times, and the skin always turns out crispy from the heat. The key is to add just enough broth to provide liquid but not so much that it covers the chicken. That said, I very carefully lift the chicken out of the pot with tongs, because as you mentioned, the meat is very tender when it's done.
Janet
Saturday 6th of July 2024
Sounds yummy and easy. My question is are these bone in thighs?
southernhomeexpress
Saturday 6th of July 2024
Hi Janet. Yes, these are bone-in thighs. You can use boneless if you want. However, I think that the chicken with bones and skin have more flavor.
Debra
Friday 5th of July 2024
I don’t have an air fryer but my oven has a convection oven. Any suggestions on how to cook this recipe in the oven or convection oven? Thanks
southernhomeexpress
Friday 5th of July 2024
Perhaps you can simply put it in a covered casserole dish. Just don't cover the chicken with liquid if you want the skin to be crispy. I would cook it on 350 degrees F for about an hour to an hour and a half. Check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it's 165 degrees F.