Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Recipe!)

Get ready for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that your whole family will love. This Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect answer to busy weeknights, delivering a dish packed with savory, comforting flavor with minimal effort. We combine tender, juicy shredded chicken with perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in a rich, garlicky sauce that ties everything together. It’s a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.

This isn’t just another dump meal; it’s a thoughtfully crafted recipe designed for maximum flavor and perfect texture. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning yields a delicious, satisfying dinner waiting for you when you get home.

Why This Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a Must-Try


You’ll fall in love with the simplicity and taste of this dish. It’s a game-changer for meal prep and a reliable crowd-pleaser.

  • Effortless Prep: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No browning or pre-cooking required!
  • Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and complex carbs and vitamins from the sweet potatoes, it’s a meal you can feel great about serving.
  • Incredibly Flavorful: The simple yet powerful combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and herbs creates a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the main ingredients.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve it on its own, over rice, in bowls, or even in tacos. The possibilities are endless! For another amazing bowl idea, check out our Greek Chicken Bowls.

The Perfect Ingredients for Success

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they become incredibly tender and easy to shred. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly without getting mushy.
  • Yellow Onion: A finely chopped yellow onion builds the aromatic base of the dish.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for a robust flavor. Don’t be shy with it!

For the Savory Sauce

  • Chicken Broth: Use a low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the final dish.
  • Coconut Aminos: A fantastic gluten-free and soy-free alternative to soy sauce that adds a savory, umami depth.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
  • Spices: A simple blend of smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
  • Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry at the end is the secret to a perfectly thickened sauce that clings to every bite.
A close-up shot of the Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes in the slow cooker after being stirred together, showing the thickened sauce.
After thickening the sauce, the dish is ready to be served straight from the crockpot!

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof and delicious result every single time.

  1. Prepare the Base: Place the cubed sweet potatoes and chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker crock. This creates a bed for the chicken to rest on, helping everything cook evenly.
  2. Add the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place them on top of the vegetables.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, and onion powder.
  4. Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return it to the crockpot.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir everything together gently and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Want to guarantee a perfect result? Keep these expert tips in mind.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Use a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure there’s enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly without steaming.
  • Cut Potatoes Uniformly: To avoid some pieces turning to mush while others are still hard, cut your sweet potatoes into equal 1-inch cubes.
  • Don’t Lift the Lid: Every time you open the slow cooker, you release heat and increase the cooking time. Trust the process and let it do its thing!
  • Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. It might need an extra pinch of salt or a splash more vinegar to brighten it up.
An extreme close-up of savory shredded chicken from the slow cooker, highlighting its juicy texture and the savory sauce it's coated in.
The chicken becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred after hours in the slow cooker.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for customization. If you love easy casserole-style meals, you might also enjoy this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

  • Add More Veggies: About an hour before it’s done, stir in a cup of chopped kale or spinach for an extra nutrient boost. Bell peppers or carrots also work well if added at the beginning.
  • Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the sauce mixture for a smoky kick.
  • Herb Variations: Swap the thyme for dried rosemary or add a bay leaf to the pot while it cooks for a different aromatic profile.

What to Serve with Your Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

  • Grains: Serve over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Greens: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans or broccoli adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
  • Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the savory sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. The slow cooker is designed to safely cook raw meat, like chicken breasts, over several hours. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding and serving.


The key is to cut the sweet potatoes into larger, uniform chunks (about 1-inch cubes). Also, placing them at the bottom of the crockpot helps them cook evenly without breaking down too much.


Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They contain more fat, which can result in even more tender and flavorful meat. The cooking time remains the same.


Smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder create a wonderful savory flavor. For a warmer spice profile, you could also add a pinch of cinnamon or rosemary.


Yes, it is a very healthy meal. It’s packed with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins. It is also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.


More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this simple crockpot meal, you’ll love our Crockpot White Chicken Chili for another easy weeknight option. And for a quicker meal, our Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken is always a winner.

Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect combination of easy, healthy, and delicious. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations and follow us on Pinterest for more amazing recipes.

A top-down view of a white bowl filled with Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley. The shredded chicken is mixed with chunks of sweet potato in a savory sauce.
This hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

An extreme close-up of savory shredded chicken from the slow cooker, highlighting its juicy texture and the savory sauce it's coated in.
FL Recipes

Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Recipe!)

An effortless and healthy Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe featuring tender shredded chicken and hearty sweet potatoes in a savory, garlicky sauce. The perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 395

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3-4 breasts
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart Slow Cooker
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes and chopped onion in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then place them on top of the vegetables.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, and onion powder.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  5. Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the pot.
  6. In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the crockpot.
  7. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Stir well and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcalProtein: 40gFat: 5gFiber: 8g

Notes

For best results, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword crockpot chicken,healthy chicken recipe,slow cooker chicken

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