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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Set-and-Forget Chicken Dishes That Cook Themselves While You Relax

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 19, 2025, updated October 8, 2025 - 1 Comment

    These 21 chicken dishes are perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set them up and let them cook while you relax or take care of other things. From slow-cooked favorites to easy one-pan meals, these recipes make dinner a breeze.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta brings all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie into a delicious pasta dish. You'll enjoy tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and a mix of vegetables, all combined with penne pasta. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    Chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This chicken fajita casserole is a family favorite that requires no pre-cooking. It's packed with Mexican black beans, quinoa, and delicious flavors, making it a straightforward meal. Just mix everything together and let it cook.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super easy to prepare. Just add all the ingredients and let the pot do its thing. In less than 45 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal filled with vegetables, ready to enjoy.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    instant pot chicken teriyaki
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    Teriyaki chicken thighs come together easily with a simple homemade sauce. Using your Instant Pot, you can prepare this dish with minimal effort, making it a great option for dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is an easy dinner choice. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time you get home, a delicious meal is ready for you. With flavors of curry, coconut, and cumin, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Pair it with rice and naan for a satisfying meal.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    tikka masala in a bowl with rice.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a simple dish that requires minimal effort. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do its thing. In no time, you'll have a delicious homemade curry ready to enjoy.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    This chicken gnocchi soup is quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. You can use frozen chicken breasts to make it even easier. It's a warm and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili

    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Instant Pot Chicken Chili is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy evenings. With just 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, it's a great option for getting dinner on the table without much effort. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken and pasta dish is packed with cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, making it a comforting meal that's simple to prepare. Just toss everything together and let it cook, giving you a relaxed dinner without much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Fit As a Mama Bear.

    This creamy chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker is a favorite among families. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you need something easy and satisfying. Just set it up and let it do its thing while you focus on other tasks.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken tortillas soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    Chicken tortilla soup is a family favorite that's both tasty and healthy. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you. It's also great for freezing, so you can enjoy it later.

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    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
    Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners.

    This simple sheet pan dinner brings together a tasty mix of ingredients inspired by fresh Mediterranean flavors. Each bite is sure to bring a smile as you enjoy the vibrant and satisfying combination. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken

    SLOW COOKER RITZ CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    This dish includes tender chicken covered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker layer. It's perfect to serve alongside rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies.
    Photo credit: This DIY Life.

    This chicken dinner is super simple and delicious. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing. You'll have a full meal with chicken, potatoes, and veggies all cooked together with great seasonings, all in one pot.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines chicken and broccoli for a hearty meal that leaves you with leftovers for later. It's a simple and delicious option that lets you enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Drumsticks

    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    These chicken drumsticks are perfect for a simple dinner that doesn't require much effort. Baked on a sheet pan, they come out flavorful with hints of garlic, parmesan, red pepper, and parsley. Cleanup is a breeze, making this a great option for busy evenings.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights. Just chop up the ingredients, throw them on a pan, and bake for a delicious meal with very little effort.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is an easy and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious, cheesy meal ready in under an hour. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    This chicken dish is all about simple flavors coming together. By combining chicken with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey in a slow cooker, you can create a delicious meal with minimal effort. Once it's cooked, just shred the chicken and serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors in a dish that's easy to prepare. With just four ingredients, it's perfect for a quick and budget-friendly dinner. This recipe is all about simplicity, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot

    Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Chicken Merlot is a great choice for a cozy dinner that feels fancy but is easy to prepare. The chicken cooks slowly in a delicious mix of red wine, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, resulting in a rich flavor. You can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Fall Crockpot Recipes Made for Busy Weeknights
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      15 Cozy Slow Cooker Creations That Will Make You Love Dinner Again
    • Bolognese.
      26 Ideas for Easy Fall Dinners to Make
    • Red wine pork chops.
      18 Sensational Recipes That Will Make You the Talk of the Town

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carlee

      July 20, 2024 at 8:39 pm

      Everything looks so good. I can't wait to make several of these.

      Reply

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