Need an easy, delicious dinner that practically cooks itself? This slow cooker chicken tenderloins recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! As a busy mom, I’ve made this countless times, and it never disappoints. For more slow-cooker favorites, try our chicken tortilla soup, adobo chicken, Buffalo chicken dip, Marry Me chicken, or ranch chicken.

The beauty of this slow cooker chicken tenderloins recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken ready by dinnertime while your slow cooker does all the work. For another effortless meal, try our frozen chicken crock pot.

What I love most about this slow cooker chicken tenderloins recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as is with some simple sides, shred it for tacos or sandwiches, or add it to salads and pasta dishes. Trust me when I say, this recipe is my go-to for a quick dinner fix that satisfies everyone at my table!

What You’ll Love

Effortless preparation – Just 5 minutes of prep time and your slow cooker handles the rest
Incredibly tender results – The slow cooking process creates perfectly moist chicken every time
Versatile main dish – Use this chicken as a foundation for countless meal variations throughout the week

Recipe Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

slow cooker chicken tenderloins ingredients

Chicken tenderloins
Water
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Our Recommended Equipment

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

For the complete printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview of the simple steps:

slow cooker chicken tenderloins step 1 image

Place chicken tenderloins in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible
Pour water over the chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly across all pieces
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours
Check for doneness (chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature)
Remove and serve or use in your favorite recipes

slow cooker chicken tenderloins recipe photo

Pro Tips

For the juiciest chicken: Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during cooking as this releases heat and moisture, extending cooking time and potentially drying out your chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months; I recommend portioning it for easier thawing, Check how to store and reheat your chicken tenderloins.
Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, or use a covered skillet on low heat

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker for extra flavor
Include baby potatoes and carrots to make it a complete one-pot meal
Toss in some lemon slices and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a bright, aromatic twist

Substitutions:

Replace water with chicken broth or white wine for a more complex flavor profile
Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, cajun spice, or curry powder to change up the flavor
Use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins (note: they may require slightly different cooking times)

FAQs About This Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins

Are chicken tenderloins good for a slow cooker?

Yes! Chicken tenderloins are excellent for slow cooking as they remain tender and juicy thanks to their smaller size and natural tenderness.

How long to cook chicken tenders in a slow cooker?

Cook chicken tenderloins for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Always verify they’ve reached 165°F internal temperature for safety.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?

Absolutely! Placing raw chicken directly in the slow cooker is safe as the long cooking time at proper temperature kills any harmful bacteria.

What Can I Serve With Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloins?

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try serving it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. It’s also perfect over rice, pasta, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices.

If you try this slow cooker chicken tenderloins recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your social media posts so I can see your delicious creation.

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