Getting dinner on the table during busy weeknights can feel like an impossible task. Between after-school activities, homework help, and trying to wrap up work emails, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen watching over a complicated meal.
That’s why these crockpot chicken tenders have become my family’s favorite solution: they’re tender and flavorful, practically cook themselves while you’re out for the day, and can be paired with just about any sides you have in your fridge or pantry.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Chicken Tenders
- Minimal ingredients – With just 7 simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create a delicious meal without any fancy shopping trips.
- Effortless preparation – Just add everything to your crockpot and let it do the work – no complicated steps or constant monitoring needed.
- Kid-friendly meal – These tender, flavorful chicken pieces are perfect for picky eaters and make great leftovers for lunch boxes.
- Set-and-forget cooking – Pop it in your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to perfectly cooked chicken tenders ready for dinner.
What Kind of Chicken Tenders Should I Use?
You’ll find two main options when shopping for chicken tenders – actual chicken tenderloin pieces (the small strip of meat attached to the underside of each chicken breast) or chicken breast cut into tender-sized strips. Either option works great in this crockpot recipe, though true chicken tenderloins tend to be a bit more tender and juicy. If you’re buying pre-cut chicken breast strips, look for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. When selecting your chicken, make sure the meat looks pink and fresh without any gray spots, and check that the package isn’t leaking or bulging. If you’re cutting your own strips from chicken breasts, aim for pieces about 1-inch wide to ensure they cook properly in the time given.
Options for Substitutions
This easy crockpot recipe can be adapted with several simple swaps:
- Chicken tenders: If you can’t find chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips, or even chicken thighs cut into smaller pieces. Just keep in mind that thighs might need an extra 30-45 minutes of cooking time.
- Italian seasoning mix: No Italian seasoning packet? Make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. You can also use ranch seasoning mix for a different but tasty twist.
- Lemon juice: Fresh is best, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch – about 6 tablespoons will do. Or try lime juice for a different citrus kick.
- Chicken stock: Vegetable stock works fine here, or you can use water mixed with a chicken bouillon cube. In a pinch, even water will work, though you might want to add extra seasonings.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce, you can use flour instead (use 4-5 tablespoons), or arrow root powder (use 3 tablespoons). Mix with cold water before adding, just like you would with cornstarch.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making crockpot chicken tenders is overcooking them, which can turn your perfectly tender chicken into dry, stringy pieces – even in a slow cooker, chicken tenders only need 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
Another common error is lifting the lid too frequently to check on the chicken, as each peek can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time and release essential moisture.
To prevent your sauce from being too thin, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry at the end, but make sure to mix it with cold water first and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve that perfect consistency.
For extra flavorful results, take a minute to sear the chicken tenders before adding them to the crockpot – this quick step creates a nice crust and helps the meat retain its moisture during the slow cooking process.
What to Serve With Crockpot Chicken Tenders?
These slow-cooked chicken tenders are super versatile and pair well with so many different sides! For a classic comfort meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up all that tasty sauce. A simple side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans works great too – just toss them with olive oil and pop them in the oven while the chicken finishes cooking. If you’re looking to keep things light, a fresh green salad with ranch dressing or a quick coleslaw makes the perfect side dish. And don’t forget some dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce from your plate!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These crockpot chicken tenders stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. They’re perfect for meal prep – I like to portion them out for easy lunches during the week. The lemony garlic flavor actually gets even better after a day!
Freeze: Want to save some for later? Let the chicken tenders cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. Pro tip: freeze them with a bit of the sauce to keep them moist when reheating.
Reheat: To warm up your chicken tenders, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warm through. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating. They’re also great cold, sliced up on top of a salad!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 90-240 minutes |
| Total Time | 100-255 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 150-160 g
- Fat: 45-55 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 g
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 2 tsp minced garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 1 packet Italian seasoning mix
- 2 lb chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken in the Crock Pot
Begin by placing the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
Layer the chicken with Italian dressing mix, minced garlic, lemon juice, butter, and chicken broth on top.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the juices from the crock pot into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Gradually whisk this mixture into the saucepan with the hot juices.
Cook the sauce for 2-4 minutes until it thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken in the crock pot.
Serve the chicken warm, paired with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your delicious, flavorful chicken dish!
