Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

The Juiciest Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken breast recipe promises an effortless culinary adventure for busy home cooks.

Tender meat transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special with minimal preparation.

Juicy and flavorful results await you without standing over a hot stove for hours.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a home-cooked comfort.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this foolproof dish.

Seasonings and spices dance together, infusing each bite with incredible depth and richness.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create a restaurant-quality dinner right in your kitchen.

Ways To Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  • Protein-Packed Meal Companion: Serve alongside quinoa or brown rice for a complete, nutritious dinner that keeps you full and satisfied.
  • Salad Transformation: Slice the tender chicken and create a fresh garden salad, adding crisp vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal option.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Shred the chicken and pile onto whole grain bread with lettuce, tomato, and a spread of light mayo or mustard for a delicious lunch alternative.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cool and store chicken in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, perfect for busy professionals and health-conscious eaters.

Storing Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Safely

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap shredded or sliced chicken tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Chicken stays good for up to 4 months.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) before serving.

  • What if I don't have all the spices listed?

No worries! You can use a basic seasoning blend like Italian herbs or chicken seasoning. The key is to add flavor to the chicken.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using chicken broth and cooking on low heat helps keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

  • Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Use the same seasonings and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, depending on the chicken breast size, with a quick release method.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Delivers Every Time

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Delivers Every Time
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Enjoy a stress-free meal preparation with minimal effort, simply season the chicken and let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on other tasks.
  • Versatile Protein: Transform these tender chicken breasts into multiple dishes like salads, sandwiches, tacos, or casseroles, making meal planning a breeze for the entire week.
  • Foolproof Flavor Infusion: Blend simple spices to create a delicious, well-seasoned chicken that's juicy and packed with robust taste, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Healthy Meal Solution: Achieve a protein-rich, low-fat dinner that's nutritious and satisfying, ideal for those watching their calorie intake or following a balanced diet.

Ingredients List For Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Chicken:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish and provides a tender, juicy base for the recipe.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that add depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and helps keep the chicken breasts tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.

Step-By-Step For Chicken Breast In Crockpot

Step-By-Step For Chicken Breast In Crockpot

Step 1: Craft Flavor Explosion

Gather these delicious spices to create an incredible taste experience:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sprinkle each spice generously over the chicken breasts, massaging the seasonings into every inch of the meat to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken Into Slow Cooker

Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker basin.

Pour chicken broth carefully around the meat, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom of the cooker without completely submerging the chicken.

Step 3: Initiate Slow Cooking Magic

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low.

Allow the chicken to cook slowly and tenderly for 3-4 hours.

The perfect doneness occurs when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which guarantees juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.

Step 4: Rest And Prepare Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Slice the chicken into beautiful medallions or shred it using two forks, depending on your meal plan.

Key Tips For Tender Slow Cooker Chicken

  • Generously coat chicken with a blend of dried herbs and spices before cooking to enhance taste depth.
  • Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker to keep meat tender and prevent drying out during slow cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F for perfect doneness.
  • Shred or slice cooked chicken for easy use in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep containers.
  • Save the remaining cooking liquid as a flavorful base for soups or to add moisture when reheating chicken.

Chicken Breast Recipe: Creative Variations

  • Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace thyme with rosemary and add fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Mix in cayenne pepper, cumin, and chili powder to create a bold, zesty chicken option.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Use homemade salt-free herb blend and unsalted chicken broth for heart-healthy preparation.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute chicken broth with bone broth and add extra healthy fats like butter or olive oil for increased protein and low-carb macros.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy slow cooker chicken breast elevates weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Tender, seasoned meat emerges effortlessly after hours of low-temperature cooking, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid:

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Blend aromatic seasonings of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, thoroughly coating each chicken breast.
  2. Gently nestle seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, cascading chicken broth to ensure complete moisture coverage.
  3. Secure the lid and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until internal temperature precisely reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Carefully extract chicken from slow cooker, permitting a brief 5-minute resting period to redistribute internal juices.
  5. Transform tender chicken into desired texture – either delicately sliced or effortlessly shredded for versatile meal preparation.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, eliminating guesswork and potential foodborne illness risks.
  • For added flavor complexity, substitute water with white wine or infuse broth with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil.
  • Leftover chicken stays moist when stored in cooking liquid, making meal prep and reheating easier throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 165 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 730 mg
  • Fat: 3.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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