Let’s be real—some days, the only thing you don’t have to do is cook. Between school pickups, work meetings, and the 5 p.m. snack crisis (we’ve all been there), a fuss-free dinner can feel like a miracle. That’s where your trusty slow cooker comes in to save the day—and this chicken tenders slow cooker recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
This recipe is all about juicy, flavorful chicken with practically zero effort. Toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a delicious dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t). Sound like magic? It kind of is.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders Recipe
Besides the fact that your house is going to smell amazing, this recipe checks all the boxes:
- 🕒 Minimal prep time
- 👩👧👦 Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
- 💸 Budget-conscious
- 🍴 Makes amazing leftovers (hello, meal prep!)
And because it uses simple ingredients you likely already have, there’s no need for a last-minute grocery store run in yoga pants and slippers (again, we’ve all been there).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these slow cooker chicken tenders come to life:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders – lean, tender, and quick-cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for just the right richness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – for a cozy herb boost
- 1/2 tsp paprika – adds a subtle smoky warmth
- Salt & pepper to taste – of course!
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – to keep things juicy and flavorful
- 2 tbsp butter – because, yes.
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for that pop of green and freshness
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
- Prep Your Chicken
Pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel (this helps them soak up all the flavor). - Layer It Up
Place the chicken tenders in the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Add the Liquid Gold
Pour in the chicken broth and dot the top with those dreamy little butter cubes. - Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred with a fork. - Finish and Garnish
Optional but lovely: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and brightness.
Sarah’s Tip Corner
- Don’t overcook: Even in a slow cooker, chicken tenders cook quickly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
- Use the broth: The juices left in the pot make a perfect dipping sauce or light gravy—serve it over mashed potatoes or rice!
- Make it creamy: Want a richer dish? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a scoop of sour cream at the end for a creamy twist.
And here’s a little secret from my kitchen to yours—this dish became a lifesaver when my toddler decided he only liked “soft chicken.” Not only did he gobble it up, but my husband went back for seconds. It was a win all around.
Serve It Up: How to Enjoy These Chicken Tenders
These slow cooker chicken tenders are super versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Serve over buttery mashed potatoes or slow cooker rice
- Tuck them into soft buns for an easy sandwich
- Chop and toss them into a salad with your favorite dressing
- Wrap in a tortilla with cheese and veggies for a quick lunch
Looking for more ways to make chicken in your slow cooker? Check out my easy slow cooker shredded chicken recipe for another weeknight favorite.
FAQs About This Chicken Tenders Slow Cooker Recipe
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. And always check that the internal temp hits 165°F.
Can I swap in chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just cut them into smaller strips so they cook evenly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully for lunch.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze in individual portions with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep the chicken moist when reheated.
Whether you’re wrangling kids, working late, or just need a break from the stove, this slow cooker chicken tenders recipe is your weeknight game-changer. It’s warm, easy, and packed with flavor—everything we love about a good home-cooked meal without the stress.
So dust off that slow cooker, toss in your ingredients, and let dinner practically make itself. You’ve got this. 💪🍗
Looking for more cozy dinners? Browse all my best slow cooker recipes here. Happy slow cooking!
