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15 Easy and Delicious Crockpot Recipes for Two: Perfect Meals for Couples and Date Nights

Simple Crockpot Pulled Chicken for Two

This is a simple and versatile foundational recipe for pulled chicken, perfectly portioned for two. Using just a handful of pantry staples, it creates tender, flavorful chicken in a small slow cooker that can be used for tacos, sandwiches, salads, or bowls. The recipe is designed to be a starting point for countless easy and delicious meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium is best)
  • 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Small Crockpot (1.5 to 3-quart)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Create the Base: Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic across the bottom of your small crockpot. This creates a fragrant bed for the chicken to rest on.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
  3. Layer and Pour: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Shred and Serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. You can return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak up the remaining juices or serve it immediately.

Notes

It's best to use thawed chicken for safety and even cooking. A 1.5 to 3-quart slow cooker is ideal. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain heat and moisture. For richer flavor, you can sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end to brighten the flavors. Variations include using pork tenderloin or beef chuck, or adding BBQ sauce or Mexican spices.