Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders – Easy & Juicy Crockpot Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a simple and flavorful meal? These slow cooker chicken tenders are the answer! With minimal effort and your trusty slow cooker, you can have perfectly cooked chicken every time. This recipe is family-friendly and ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This recipe requires effortless prep with hands-off cooking, freeing you up for other tasks.
• The slow cooker ensures consistently tender, juicy chicken that the whole family will enjoy.
• Versatile for various meals, from sandwiches to salads, making meal planning a breeze.
• Made with simple ingredients, it delivers a burst of satisfying flavor.
• This recipe is budget-friendly and provides a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing slow cooker chicken tenders:

• 2 pounds Chicken Tenders
• 1 packet Italian Dressing Mix
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
• 2 Lemons, juiced
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• ½ cup Chicken Broth
• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: While this recipe calls for tenders, you can also use chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly. Chicken breasts will take longer.
• Italian Dressing Mix: If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, use ranch seasoning, or make your own blend with dried herbs.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
• Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt level, but regular chicken broth works, too.

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
• Whisk (for thickening sauce)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious slow cooker chicken tenders:

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker.

• Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray, or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• Place the chicken tenders evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Seasonings.

• Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken tenders.
• Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, butter, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook.

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken tenders are safe to eat.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce (Optional).

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Pour the remaining juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
• Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the chicken juices. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken tenders in the slow cooker or serving dish.

Step 5: Serve.

• Serve the warm slow cooker chicken tenders with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving Perfectly Tender Chicken

• Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Try to use chicken tenders that are uniform in size for even cooking.

Enhancing the Flavor

• Marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing mix and lemon juice overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper, more intense flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
• Don’t skip the sauce-thickening step if you prefer a thicker sauce to serve with your chicken tenders.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

What to Serve With

• Serve your slow cooker chicken tenders with creamy mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a healthy and balanced side dish.
• Enjoy them with pasta or egg noodles, tossed in the flavorful sauce.
• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
• A fresh side salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

How to Store & Reheat

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerate the chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture.

Delicious Variations

• Creamy Ranch Tenders: Use ranch seasoning mix instead of Italian dressing mix and add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
• Honey Garlic Tenders: Add honey and soy sauce to the slow cooker for a sweet and savory glaze.
• Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy twist.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers into the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.

Nutrition Information

These slow cooker chicken tenders are a delicious and relatively healthy option. Here’s a summary of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

FAQ

• Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
  • Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked. Add an extra hour to the cooking time.
• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
  • The best way to prevent the chicken from drying out is to avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and no higher.
• What size slow cooker is best for this recipe?
  • A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, but a larger or smaller slow cooker can also be used, adjusting the amount of ingredients slightly.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
  • Yes, to make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil.

Conclusion

These slow cooker chicken tenders are a simple and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this versatile recipe a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment and share your creations!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders Recipe

This simple recipe features tender chicken cooked slowly with Italian dressing mix, garlic, and lemon, then coated in a rich, thickened sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and delivers a burst of flavor with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Crock pot
• Saucepan
• Small bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds Chicken Tenders
• 1 packet Italian Dressing Mix
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
• 2 Lemons juiced
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• ½ cup Chicken Broth

For Thickening

• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Place the chicken tenders in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
• Top the chicken with the Italian dressing mix, minced garlic, lemon juice, butter, and chicken broth.
• Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Pour the cooking juices from the crock pot into a saucepan and heat over medium heat; in a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk this mixture into the saucepan and heat for 2-4 minutes until thickened before pouring back over the chicken.
• Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking and moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.