Slow Cooker Chicken Salad {Low-Carb Option}

AMAZING Slow Cooker Chicken Salad! Use two forks to shred chicken right in the crock-pot after it slow cooks with cream cheese and tarragon. Stir in Greek yogurt, crunchy celery and almonds and dinner is DONE.

It’s the perfect make-ahead recipe when entertaining a crowd or packing lunch boxes for the week.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Salad recipe is a variation of “crack” chicken! Have you seen recipes with that name on your Facebook or Pinterest feeds? The name suggests that the result is addictively delicious. (And, it usually is!)

I was immediately intrigued and hopped right over to check out the ingredients. The savory versions usually involve cream cheese and bacon. We enjoyed this take on crack chicken by Cookies and Cups very much!

In fact, the inspiration for crock pot chicken salad came after I made it one night. I immediately knew that endless ingredient combinations and spices could transform the creamy chicken base into an entirely new dish. Recently, we added cream cheese to 3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken made in the crock-pot. Also delicious! 

This version is made healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It resembles our Tarragon Chicken Salad recipe except that it uses a crock-pot. Who knew?

The end result of the experimentation is a “salad” which will light up your world if you are feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week. Celery, almonds, and cranberries are a bit healthier than bacon too. But, the end result is equally addictive!

Crock Pot Chicken Salad Tips

There is something insanely easy about popping uncooked boneless chicken breasts into a crock pot and ending up with a creamy mound of chicken salad later in the day.

Slow Cooker Chicken Salad Base

Simply season the chicken and place it in a slow cooker that’s been misted with cooking spray. Sprinkle tarragon over the chicken and place chunks of cream cheese on top. All of the other ingredients are stirred in at the end.

This is what the chicken base will look like after it has been shredded with two forks and stirred to incorporate the cream cheese. The cream cheese firms up quickly so we added a touch of Greek yogurt to keep it creamy.  Sour cream would work too. But, you’ll get a protein boost from Greek yogurt.

Mix-in Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Salad

We stirred diced celery, almonds, and dried cranberries into the base. Just about any nut would work. Chopped walnuts are my hubby’s favorite. Pecans are nice too.

If you are more of a grape type of family, then use those instead of the cranberries. If you want almost no carbs at all, then leave the dried fruit out.

Bottom line…use whatever ingredients you have in the house, including

• carrots
• cooked bacon
• onion
• apple

It’s really that easy.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Chicken Salad

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)

Make this salad ahead of time. It stores very well.

No other sandwich fixings are necessary, which is exactly why it’s perfect for entertaining.

Simply lay out a platter with bread, lettuces…and a scoop! Serve with a side of chips…traditional ones or choose from this list of 15 Healthy Alternatives to Potato Chips! Add a platter of fruit and you’re done!

This easy recipe means more time with family and friends, and less time in the kitchen.

Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom. We love to see you are cooking up!

Slow Cooker Chicken Salad

This low-carb Slow Cooker Chicken Salad recipe combines a creamy base with tarragon, Greek yogurt, celery, almonds and cranberries. It's perfect lunch boxes and entertaining.

4.8 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 312kcal

Author: Marjory Pilley

Equipment

• Slow Cooker - Programmable

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces Cream cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Tarragon dried
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 cup Diced celery
• 1 cup Slivered almonds
• 1 cup Cranberries, optional leave out for very low-carb version

Instructions

• Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
• Season chicken breast with salt and pepper and place in slow cooker.
• Sprinkle tarragon over the top of the chicken.
• Cut cream cheese into cubes and place on top of chicken.
• Cover slow cooker and cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
• Open slow cooker and shred chicken with two forks, mixing in melted cream cheese.
• Remove chicken base to serving dish.
• Stir in Greek yogurt, celery, almonds and cranberries, if using.
• Serve in lettuce cups, on bread with crackers or in a wrap.

Video

Instantly Upgrade Dinner!FREE Low-Carb Sauce Cheat Sheet HERE!

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 508IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer