Easy Chicken Recipes for the Crock Pot

Usually I think of using my Crock Pot when it's cold outside because slow cooking makes me think of hearty stews and heartwarming meals. But really, a slow cooker is a great kitchen item to use year-round, and especially in the summer. Why slave over a hot stove when you can throw a few ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and have dinner ready when you get home in the evening?

Here area a few chicken recipes that will not only guarantee an easy supper, but also make sure that you don't have to hover over a hot stove!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced onion

1 lb diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 package (6 oz) of long grain and wild rice mix with seasoning packet

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups water

1 tbsp. parsley

black pepper

Combine everything in your Crock Pot. Cook on low 8-10 hours. Serve with crusty bread.

Country Coq au Vin

1/2 pound sliced bacon, diced

1 lb. chicken breasts

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 pound small white mushrooms

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

6 garlic cloves, chopped

3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crisp. With a slotted spoon, transfer it to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour off all but a light coating of fat from the skillet. Add the chicken and brown over medium-high heat; transfer to the cooker. Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits; add the skillet contents to the cooker, along with the mushrooms, onions, garlic, rosemary, and salt. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. Transfer the chicken, bacon, and vegetables to a platter; keep warm. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Combine the water and cornstarch; stir it into the sauce. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour over the chicken. Serve with egg noodles or mashed potatoes (roasted garlic mashed potatoes are especially good with this recipe!)

Salsa Chicken

4 chicken breasts

1 jar salsa

1 can black beans

1 can corn

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low 8-10 hours. Serve over rice. You can also shred the chicken breasts and use this as a taco filling.

These "no-brainer" recipes are easy for anyone to put together!