Slow Cooker Chicken Salad

The crock-pot does all the work in this easy Slow Cooker Chicken Salad recipe. It's perfect for make-ahead lunches and entertaining!

Just like 3 Ingredient Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken, this recipe is a hit at parties and dinner planning because it's so versatile. It stands alone as a low-carb salad or can be spread on your favorite bread to make a sandwich. You can even freeze it for later!

This version resembles Leftover Chicken Salad except that we swapped healthy Greek yogurt for sour cream. There's no mayonnaise either. Whole uncooked chicken cooks effortlessly then you shred it with 2 forks or a hand mixer.

It's a variation of "crack" chicken! Have you seen recipes with that name? It suggests that the result is addictively delicious. (And, it usually is!) The savory versions usually involve cream cheese and bacon. We enjoyed this take on crack chicken by Cookies and Cups and it provided the inspiration for this recipe!

Jump to:

• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Directions with Pictures
• Serving Ideas
• Storage and Reheating
• Easy Entertaining Slow Cooker Recipes
• 📋 Recipe

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll cook in the crock-pot:

• Uncooked chicken - use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cream cheese - use whole fat for the creamiest result
• Tarragon - gives this chicken salad a distinct flavor you'll love if you're a fan of this herb. If you're not, then you can leave it out or add another spice, like dill or basil, instead.
• Salt and Pepper to taste! We added ½ teaspoon of each.

Once it's cooked and shredded, stir in these ingredients for the perfect combination of textures: creamy, crunchy, and sweet!

• Greek Yogurt replaces sour cream in this recipe and adds extra protein too. You can use either ingredient.
• Celery with a fine dice since it's going into a salad mixture.
• Almonds or other nut like walnuts or pecans.
• Cranberries, grapes, diced apples or something sweet really makes the final salad pop! Leave out the fruit or use less to lower the carbs.

Variations: Bottom line...use whatever ingredients you have in the house, including cooked, crumbled bacon, diced pepper, carrots or other vegetables.

It's really that easy!

Directions with Pictures

There's something very appealing about popping uncooked chicken breasts into a crock-pot in the morning and ending up with a creamy, mound of chicken salad later in the day! The time-consuming part is done, which is why you'll love this recipe.

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper and tarragon and place it in a slow cooker that's been misted with cooking spray.
2. Place chunks of cream cheese on top. Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to incorporate the cream cheese. The cream cheese firms up quickly. Add Greek yogurt to make it creamy.
4. Stir in all of the other ingredients. We used celery, slivered almonds and cranberries.

Serving Ideas

The fun part comes at serving time. Just scoop! Portion the shredded chicken in:

• Lettuce cups (low-carb)
• Bread (traditional)
• Croissants (fancy)
• Flour tortillas (perfect for the lunchbox!)
• Crackers (appetizer)

No other sandwich fixings are necessary, which is exactly why it's perfect for a party. Serve straight out of the slow cooker, or move it to a serving bowl.

Simply lay out a platter with bread, lettuces...and a scoop! Use our ultimate list of chicken salad side dishes to round out the meal!

Storage and Reheating

This recipe may be served warm or cold.

• Store - Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve Cold - Chicken salad is traditionally served cold.
• Serve Warm - Heat leftovers in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave until warmed through, which will only take a few minutes.
• Freeze - Leftovers may be frozen in an airtight storage container or resealable plastic bag, with excess air removed. Store up to 2 months for best quality. May be microwaved from frozen or defrosted overnight in the refrigerator and then warmed.

Tip: If mixture becomes thick when reheating, add additional Greek yogurt or a little broth to thin it out.

Easy Entertaining Slow Cooker Recipes

These recipes are also perfect for a party and are made in a crock-pot.

Easy slow cooker chicken salad means more time with family and friends, and less time in the kitchen! And, that's exactly why you've got to make it!

Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

📋 Recipe

This recipe was originally published 8/23/17. It was updated to improve the reader experience.