The Juiciest Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken breast recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Tender, juicy meat becomes your culinary canvas with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Weeknight dinners transform when you unleash the magic of simple ingredients and low, steady heat.

Busy home cooks can breathe a sigh of relief knowing delicious meals are just hours away.

Minimal prep work means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a satisfying meal.

Seasoning options range from zesty herbs to rich, complex spice blends that infuse every bite with personality.

You’ll want to savor each succulent morsel and share this foolproof technique with anyone seeking stress-free cooking solutions.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Done Right

• Simplify Meal Preparation: Transform plain chicken breasts into a delicious, tender meal with minimal effort using just a few spices and a slow cooker.
• Maximize Versatility: Perfectly cooked chicken adapts to countless recipes like salads, sandwiches, tacos, or eaten straight as a protein-packed main dish.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cook once and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week, saving precious time and energy for busy families and individuals with packed schedules.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Achieve consistently moist and flavorful chicken every single time, eliminating the risk of dry or undercooked meat with this hands-off cooking technique.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that serves as the main star of this slow cooker recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A classic blend of spices that adds depth and flavor to the chicken, creating a well-rounded and aromatic dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps keep the chicken moist and tender during the slow cooking process.

How To Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Step 1: Blend Aromatic Spices

Combine your favorite dried herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering coating for the chicken. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well blended.

Step 2: Massage Seasoning onto Chicken

Gently rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets a delicious flavor boost. Press the seasonings into the meat to help them stick and penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around the meat, creating a flavorful liquid bath that will keep the chicken incredibly moist and tender.

Step 4: Transform into Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook slowly for 3-4 hours.

The magic happens as the meat becomes fork-tender and absorbs all the delicious seasonings and broth.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest and Relax

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

This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve or Store

Slice or shred the chicken as desired.

Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides, or portion out for quick and easy meal prep throughout the week. The chicken will stay moist and delicious for several days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Tips To Improve Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make chicken tough and dry.
• For extra moisture, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the chicken broth for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning to change up the taste profile.
• Freeze cooked shredded chicken in portion-sized containers for quick future meals like salads, tacos, or sandwiches.

Alternative Versions Of Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace thyme with rosemary or basil for a fresh Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a bold, zesty version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use salt-free seasoning blend and low-sodium chicken broth for heart-healthy preparation.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Skip chicken broth and use bone broth or water with additional herbs to reduce carbohydrates.

Serving Ideas For Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Protein Power Plate: Slice the tender chicken and arrange over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal.
• Salad Sensation: Shred the chicken and toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-packed lunch option.
• Sandwich Supreme: Create mouthwatering sandwiches by placing shredded chicken on whole grain bread with crisp lettuce, sliced avocado, and a touch of mustard or mayo.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the cooked chicken into containers with different side dishes for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, saving time and ensuring delicious meals.

Best Storage For Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Seal the chicken tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freeze shredded or sliced chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time.

FAQs

• Why use a slow cooker for chicken breasts?

Slow cookers help keep chicken breasts tender and moist by cooking them at a low, steady temperature, preventing them from drying out like traditional oven or stovetop methods.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for food safety.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• What if I don't have all the specific seasonings?

You can substitute with similar herbs and spices you have on hand. The key is to create a balanced flavor profile that complements the chicken.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken breast delivers tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. Herbs and spices create a flavorful meal that delights palates and simplifies weeknight dinner preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings:

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

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Instructions

1. Blend aromatic spices including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, thoroughly coating each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture.
2. Transfer the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker basin and gently pour chicken broth around the pieces, ensuring they are partially submerged.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to gently simmer and poach for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
4. Carefully extract the tender chicken from the liquid, allowing it to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes to help redistribute internal moisture and maintain juiciness.
5. After resting, slice or shred the chicken using two forks, preparing it for immediate serving or convenient meal preparation storage.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by marinating chicken for 30 minutes before slow cooking to infuse deeper seasonings into the meat.
• Opt for bone-in chicken breasts to maintain extra moisture and boost natural flavor profile during slow cooking process.
• Prevent dryness by avoiding overcooking; use a meat thermometer to ensure precise 165F internal temperature for perfectly tender chicken.
• Transform leftovers into versatile meal options like chicken salad, tacos, or soup by shredding and storing in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• 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: 360 mg
• Fat: 3.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg