Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Goulash

There is something wonderfully comforting about a simple slow cooker dinner that uses just a handful of pantry staples. This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Goulash is the kind of old-fashioned meal that comes together with very little effort but still delivers a warm, hearty dinner the whole family can enjoy.

Tender chicken breasts slowly cook with diced tomatoes, onion, salt, and paprika until the chicken is flavorful and easy to shred. The tomatoes create a simple savory sauce that is perfect for spooning over noodles, potatoes, or rice.

It is an inexpensive and dependable dinner for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Goulash

• Only 5 ingredients: Simple pantry staples keep this recipe affordable and easy.
• Slow cooker friendly: Let the slow cooker handle most of the cooking.
• Comforting and hearty: Tender shredded chicken and a savory tomato sauce make a satisfying meal.
• Budget-friendly: A couple of chicken breasts can easily stretch into four servings.
• Easy to serve: Pair it with noodles, potatoes, or rice.
• Minimal prep: There is no complicated cooking technique or lengthy ingredient list.

Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Goulash

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 1/2 pounds total
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 1 small onion, finely chopped, about 1 cup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, or regular paprika

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Goulash

Step 1: Add the Chicken

Place the raw chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.

Keeping the chicken in one layer helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to shred later.

Step 2: Add the Onion

Scatter the finely chopped onion evenly over and around the chicken breasts.

The onion will slowly soften during cooking and add savory flavor to the tomato sauce.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the salt and paprika evenly over the chicken and onions.

The paprika gives the finished goulash its warm color and mild, savory flavor.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes, including all of their juices, evenly over the chicken and onions.

The tomato juices provide the moisture needed for the chicken to cook gently in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Cooking times can vary between slow cookers, so check the chicken toward the end of the recommended cooking time.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the tomato mixture and stir everything together so the meat is coated with the flavorful sauce.

Serve hot over your favorite side.

What to Serve With Chicken Goulash

This simple chicken goulash is especially good served over something that can soak up the tomato sauce.

Try it with:

• Buttered egg noodles
• Mashed or boiled potatoes
• White rice
• Buttered bread
• Green beans
• Peas
• A simple tossed salad

For a hearty family dinner, serve the chicken over warm buttered noodles with a side of green beans and a slice of crusty bread.

Variations & Tips

Use Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They tend to stay especially tender during slow cooking and work well with the tomato-based sauce.

Adjust the Paprika

For a slightly stronger paprika flavor, add a little more paprika to taste. Sweet paprika keeps the dish mild and family-friendly.

Serve It Creamy

If you want a richer version, stir a small amount of sour cream into the finished chicken mixture just before serving. This changes the simple five-ingredient recipe but creates a creamy variation.

Add More Vegetables

Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or additional onions can be added if you want to stretch the meal or add more vegetables.

Make It Heartier

Serve the chicken goulash over egg noodles or potatoes rather than eating it on its own. The starch helps absorb the tomato juices and makes the chicken go further.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens in the refrigerator, add a small splash of water or broth while reheating.

Leftovers are also easy to serve over fresh noodles or rice the next day.

Food Safety Tips

Always use properly thawed chicken for this recipe rather than placing frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker.

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and do not leave the cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Goulash is the kind of recipe that proves a satisfying homemade dinner does not need a long ingredient list. With chicken, canned tomatoes, onion, salt, and paprika, the slow cooker turns simple ingredients into tender chicken and a comforting tomato sauce.

Serve it over buttered egg noodles, potatoes, or rice for an easy, budget-friendly dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family meals.