Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders Recipe

Making chicken tenders in the crock pot is one of the easiest ways to prepare a delicious meal for the family. Plus, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. There’s just something about that slow-cooked, juicy flavor that everyone loves!

If you want to find out the best cooking time for chicken tenders in a slow cooker, you’re in the right place.

Chicken tenders are super versatile they work great in wraps, tacos, rice bowls, and even on top of salads. And thanks to the crock pot, all the magic happens with minimal effort. Just toss in a few simple ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and come back to a ready-to-eat dinner.

This recipe also works perfectly for meal prepping. Cook a batch on Sunday, then store the extras in the fridge or freezer to use throughout the week. You’ll save time, money, and stress plus, dinner will always be just a reheat away.

Why this slow cooker chicken tender recipe works

When life gets busy, your slow cooker becomes your best friend in the kitchen. This chicken tenders recipe has quickly become a reader’s favourite because:

• It’s nearly impossible to mess up – even cooking beginners can nail this recipe.
• The chicken stays incredibly moist–no more dry, rubbery chicken.
• It’s extremely versatile – use the chicken in wraps, salads, pasta, or on its own.
• Kids absolutely love it–say goodbye to dinnertime battles.
• Prep takes just 10 minutes–then let your slow cooker do the rest.

Ingredients you’ll need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand:

• 2 pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium works best)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a gentle kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting. This makes the process even quicker and ensures you don’t forget anything.

2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker

Place your chicken tenders in the slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, cut them into tender-sized strips first.

3. Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add the butter or olive oil, then sprinkle all seasonings evenly over the chicken.

4. Toss to Coat

Use tongs to turn the chicken pieces so they’re evenly coated with the seasonings and liquid.

5. Set It and Forget It

Cover your slow cooker and set to:

• Low heat: 3-4 hours
• High heat: 1½-2 hours

Pro tip: Chicken tenders cook quicker than whole chicken breasts. So, watch them closely the first time you make this recipe.

6. Check for Doneness

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and pulls apart easily with a fork.

7. Serve or Shred

Serve the tenders whole based on your meal plan. Or, shred them with two forks for tacos, wraps, or mixing with sauce.

4 Delicious Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is fantastic, but here are four ways to switch things up:

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Add ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

2. BBQ Chicken Tenders

• Replace half the broth with your favorite BBQ sauce
• Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

3. Italian Herb Chicken Tenders

• Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and rosemary
• 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained

4. Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Add 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• ½ cup sour cream (stir in during the last 30 minutes)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

Transform these chicken tenders into a complete meal with these easy sides:

Quick Side Dishes	Cooking Method	Prep Time
Steamed broccoli	Microwave or stovetop	5 minutes
Garlic bread	Oven	10 minutes
Buttered egg noodles	Stovetop	8 minutes
Green salad	No cooking needed	5 minutes
Mashed potatoes	Stovetop or Instant Pot	15 minutes
Rice pilaf	Rice cooker	3 minutes

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This recipe is great for meal planning. The chicken keeps well and reheats nicely.

Storage Times:

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth before reheating to maintain moisture
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a covered pan with a splash of liquid
• Avoid reheating more than once for food safety and quality

More recipes:-

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Boneless Chicken Crock Pot Recipes

Easy Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. Frozen chicken can spend too long in the “danger zone” temperature range while cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and pull apart easily with a fork. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check that the chicken is white throughout with no pink areas.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! If doubling, you may need to increase cooking time by 30-60 minutes, depending on your slow cooker.

My chicken came out dry. What happened?

Likely the chicken cooked too long. Chicken tenders are thinner than whole breasts and cook faster in the slow cooker. Next time, check for doneness earlier in the cooking process.

Final Thought

These slow cooker chicken tenders prove you can make a tasty meal with just a few easy ingredients and little effort. This recipe is perfect for picky kids, meal prep, or quick dinners after a long day. It will soon be your go-to solution.

Give it a try this week, and let us know in the comments which flavor variation is your