Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Goulash
Easy, comforting, and budget-friendly, this slow cooker chicken goulash turns simple pantry staples into a hearty dinner with almost no hands-on work.
When you need an easy dinner but don’t have much inspiration, this slow cooker chicken goulash is the kind of recipe worth keeping in your back pocket. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can create a tender, saucy chicken dinner that feels homemade without spending much time in the kitchen.
The slow cooker does most of the work. Simply add the chicken breasts, onion, paprika, salt, and canned diced tomatoes, then let everything simmer slowly until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
The result is juicy shredded chicken coated in a savory tomato-onion sauce. Serve it over buttered egg noodles, mashed or boiled potatoes, or white rice for an easy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Goulash
- Only 5 main ingredients — perfect when the pantry is running low.
- Easy slow cooker recipe — most of the cooking happens hands-free.
- Budget-friendly dinner — simple ingredients help keep costs down.
- Comforting family meal — tender chicken and rich tomato sauce make a satisfying combination.
- Easy to customize — add garlic, black pepper, beans, pasta, or sour cream.
- Great for leftovers — the chicken reheats well for another easy meal.
- Perfect for busy weeknights — prepare it in minutes and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1½ pounds total
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor, you can also add:
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove minced garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- A small pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes
- 1 can drained kidney or navy beans
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- Sour cream for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Goulash
1. Add the Chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the Onion and Seasonings
Scatter the chopped onion over and around the chicken. Sprinkle with salt and sweet paprika.
3. Add the Tomatoes
Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, evenly over the chicken and onions.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
5. Shred the Chicken
Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the chicken into the tomato and onion mixture until everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve
Spoon the slow cooker chicken goulash over hot buttered egg noodles, potatoes, or cooked rice. Make sure to spoon plenty of the tomato sauce over the top.
Add green beans, peas, a simple salad, or buttered bread for an easy complete dinner.
Recipe Tips
Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts. They are especially tender and work beautifully in slow cooker recipes.
Balance the tomatoes: If your canned tomatoes taste particularly acidic, a tiny pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.
Add garlic: Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder gives the tomato sauce an extra layer of savory flavor.
Make it heartier: Stir in drained beans or cooked elbow macaroni near the end of cooking for a more filling meal.
Add creaminess: A spoonful of sour cream in each serving creates a creamy contrast with the tomato-based sauce.
Save the leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
What to Serve With Chicken Goulash
This easy chicken dinner pairs especially well with:
- Buttered egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Boiled potatoes
- White rice
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered bread
- Garden salad
- Peas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and can give the dish an especially tender texture.
Can I make chicken goulash ahead of time?
Yes. The cooked goulash can be refrigerated and reheated for another meal. It can also be prepared ahead when you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner.
What can I serve with chicken goulash?
Egg noodles, potatoes, and rice are all excellent choices because they soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Peas, green beans, or other vegetables can be served alongside the goulash. Beans can also be added to make the meal more substantial.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in a covered container. Reheat until hot before serving. The goulash is also a great option for meal prep because the tomato-based sauce helps keep the shredded chicken moist.
