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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Dinners That Always Hit the Spot

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 17, 2025, updated September 9, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 26 dump-and-cook chicken dinners are perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying. Just toss the ingredients together, let them cook, and enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss. From hearty casseroles to flavorful one-pot dishes, these recipes will hit the spot every time.

    Ranch Chicken & Potato Casserole

    Ranch potato bake.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Ranch Chicken and Potato Casserole with broccoli, bacon, and cheese is a great comfort food option. It's really easy to prepare and only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

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

    This slow cooker chicken curry is perfect for a busy day. Just toss everything in the pot in the morning, and by the time you get home, you'll be greeted with the delicious smells of curry, coconut, and cumin. It's a comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with rice and warm naan, making it a family favorite.

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    Slow Cooker Autumn Chicken Dinner

    Slow Cooker Autumn Chicken Dinner.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow cooker chicken and sweet potato dinner is a healthy and simple one-pot meal. It combines chicken thighs, onions, and sweet potatoes, all cooked together until everything is tender and flavorful. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without putting in a lot of work.

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    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This is a simple and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the flavors of broccoli and chicken alfredo. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
    Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a breeze to prepare and is great for busy weekdays or game days. It features simple ingredients that blend the classic flavors of chili with the spicy kick of buffalo wings. This dish could easily become your go-to chili recipe.

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    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This is a simple meal that you can throw together quickly on busy weeknights. With familiar flavors that everyone in the family enjoys, this easy dinner is bound to become a regular part of your routine.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for when you're craving comfort food but don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs deliver big flavors without much work. This dish combines spicy harissa paste, zesty lemon, and sweet honey with juicy chicken, onions, and sweet potatoes, all cooked together on one pan. It's a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner that practically prepares itself.

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    Chicken Burrito Casserole

    Chicken Burrito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This chicken burrito casserole is perfect for families who enjoy Mexican flavors. It combines all the delicious elements of your favorite burritos into one easy-to-make dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that's packed with protein and sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a warm and tasty dish that's super easy to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. This meal is perfect for cozy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Chicken thighs can be ready in just 10 minutes and then cooked slowly until they're nice and tender. They're covered in a thick honey garlic sauce that adds a lot of flavor. This is a great option for a simple dinner on busy weekdays.

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    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    Lemon and rosemary come together beautifully in these slow cooker chicken thighs, creating a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. The fresh citrus adds a zesty kick, while the rosemary brings a lovely aroma that fills the kitchen. This meal is perfect for any night of the week, offering comfort and flavor with minimal effort.

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    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken tikka masala served over white rice.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This dish is great for busy weekdays when you need a simple and tasty meal with an Indian twist. Just throw everything into your Crock Pot and let it do the work for you. It's a comforting option that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy dish that you can easily prepare in your slow cooker or on the stove. It's great for cold winter days or anytime you need a warm and satisfying meal.

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    Cajun Chicken Alfredo

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and satisfying meal. With smoked sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich cheesy sauce, it's sure to please everyone at the table. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and requires minimal effort to prepare.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that's perfect for satisfying your hunger. It's simple to prepare and will likely leave you with some tasty leftovers for later. Enjoy a comforting dinner that brings together classic flavors without requiring much effort.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    BBQ chicken thighs are simple to prepare, as everything goes into the slow cooker. You can serve them whole or shred them for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches. This is a great option for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    Dijon sheet pan chicken.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Sheet pan meals are perfect for busy nights, and this maple Dijon chicken dish is a great example. With simple preparation and delicious flavors, it requires very little cleanup. The combination of seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and roasted vegetables is satisfying and makes for a comforting dinner when you want something hearty without much effort.

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    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare and feature crispy, golden chicken thighs cooked in a tasty garlic and white wine sauce with juicy mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Korean BBQ Chicken is a fantastic dinner option that comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking. This dish brings a flavorful twist to your dinner table, making it a satisfying choice for any comfort food craving.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken in a Hurry is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in a crockpot. It combines tender chicken with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing to create a sweet and tangy sauce. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

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

    Chicken breasts are combined with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, then cooked until tender and shredded. This dish is perfect served over rice, creating a simple and filling meal that's great for any night of the week.

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    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    Sheet pan chicken drumsticks with potatoes are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The lemon garlic seasoning adds a nice touch with its blend of spices and citrus, making the chicken tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    Southwest chicken casserole.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese in a single dish. With simple preparation and a tasty mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, this is a great choice for busy weeknights that the whole family will love.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and satisfying dish that comes together in under an hour. With a kick from spicy buffalo sauce and some sneaky spinach mixed in, it's both comforting and tasty. This meal is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

    This slow cooker honey mustard chicken is an easy option for a weeknight meal. It cooks in a delicious sweet and tangy glaze, making it a great choice for busy days. This gluten-free chicken dish is sure to become a favorite for family dinners with minimal effort.

    Get the Recipe

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      22 Delicious Crockpot Dinners for Stress-Free Meals

    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.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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