Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken forever! This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast is your new secret weapon for unbelievably tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every single time. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights, meal prep, and creating endless delicious dishes.
We’ve all been there—hoping for succulent chicken, only to end up with a tough, rubbery result. This method solves that problem. By slowly cooking the chicken in a savory blend of broth and spices, we lock in moisture, ensuring every bite is perfectly cooked and mouthwateringly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof chicken recipe, you’ve found it. This is more than just food; it’s a solution for effortless, healthy, and versatile meals.
- Incredibly Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for even the busiest days. Simply place the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Perfectly Juicy & Tender: The slow cooking process breaks down the proteins gently, resulting in chicken that is exceptionally moist and easy to shred, slice, or cube.
- Meal Prep Champion: Cook a batch on Sunday and have perfectly cooked chicken ready for salads, sandwiches, tacos, or pasta all week long. Check out our Low-Carb Chicken Bake for another great meal prep idea.
- Healthy & Customizable: This recipe is naturally low-carb, high-protein, and can be easily adapted with your favorite spices and herbs to fit any flavor profile.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients for this recipe. We’re focusing on a simple, savory combination that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, making it a perfect base for any meal.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. We recommend using about 2 pounds of fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
- Chicken Broth: This is the key to moisture. Using broth instead of water infuses the chicken with a savory flavor from the start.
- Olive Oil: A little bit of fat adds richness and helps keep the chicken tender.
- Seasonings: We’re using a classic blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This combination is savory, slightly smoky, and incredibly versatile.
How to Make The Juiciest Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to chicken perfection. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then rub them all over with the spice mixture.
- Arrange in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle them with olive oil and pour the chicken broth around them.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific model of your slow cooker. The key is to not overcook it.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result. You can then slice, cube, or shred it as desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Every Time
Want to guarantee your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast is flawless? These tried-and-true tips will help you achieve perfection.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Arrange the chicken in a single layer to ensure it cooks evenly. If you need to cook a larger batch, use a larger slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW: While cooking on HIGH is possible, the LOW setting is highly recommended for the most tender, juicy results. High heat can make the chicken tough.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the single best way to avoid overcooking. Chicken breast is lean and can dry out quickly, so checking the internal temperature is crucial.
- Let It Rest: Just like a good steak, chicken needs to rest after cooking. This simple step makes a huge difference in its final texture and juiciness. For another fantastic chicken dinner, try our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic blank canvas. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your meal plans.
- Italian Herb: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the spice mix. Serve with pasta or in a panini.
- Tex-Mex: Swap the paprika for chili powder and add 1 teaspoon of cumin. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and salads.
- Lemon Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the slow cooker for a bright, fresh flavor. This pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, like our Roasted Delicata Squash.
- BBQ Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken and toss it with your favorite barbecue sauce. This makes for an amazing Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken sandwich.
How to Serve Your Delicious Chicken
The versatility of this chicken is its greatest strength. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sliced: Serve whole or sliced alongside roasted vegetables and potatoes for a classic dinner.
- Shredded: Use two forks to shred the chicken, then use it in tacos, on top of salads, in casseroles, or for buffalo chicken dip.
- Cubed: Cut the cooked chicken into cubes for easy additions to pasta dishes, soups, or grain bowls.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper storage is key to enjoying your chicken for days to come. Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave the chicken in short bursts or gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can, it’s not recommended for the best texture. Cooking on HIGH (typically 1.5-2.5 hours) can result in tougher, less juicy chicken. The ‘low and slow’ method is superior for tender results.
It is not recommended to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker. The slow cooker heats too gradually, which can allow the chicken to remain in the ‘danger zone’ (40°F-140°F) for too long, posing a risk for bacterial growth. Always thaw chicken completely before cooking.
No, the chicken does not need to be fully submerged. About one cup of liquid is usually sufficient to create a steamy environment that keeps the chicken moist without boiling it. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks.
The three best ways to prevent dry chicken are: 1) Cook it on the LOW setting, not HIGH. 2) Ensure there is enough liquid, like chicken broth, in the pot. 3) Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken out as soon as it reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking.
On the LOW setting, it typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours to cook standard-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, cooking time can vary, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
The Ultimate Recipe for Easy Dinners
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is a true kitchen staple that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. It’s the perfect foundation for countless healthy and delicious meals. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast: The Juiciest, Easiest Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, place it on a cutting board, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, dicing, or shredding.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
