Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe: Effortless & Tasty

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken breast recipe demands creativity and minimal effort.

Tender meat practically melts in your mouth with this simple technique.

Juicy protein becomes the star when you understand a few basic culinary secrets.

Weeknight dinners transform from mundane to extraordinary with minimal preparation.

Busy individuals appreciate meals that practically cook themselves while you handle other tasks.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this straightforward approach.

Let’s unlock the potential of your slow cooker and savor every delicious bite.

FAQs

  • What's the best way to prevent dry chicken in a slow cooker?

Use chicken broth and cook on low heat to keep the meat moist and tender. Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, but add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165F internal temperature for food safety.

  • How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. You can also use different types of broth like vegetable or bone broth for extra depth.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and used in salads, sandwiches, or as a protein for various meals.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Highlights

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Highlights
  • Simplify Meal Prep: This slow cooker chicken breast recipe transforms boring cooking into a hassle-free experience with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Versatile Protein Option: Perfectly cooked chicken works wonderfully in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and countless other dishes, making meal planning a breeze.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away while it creates tender, juicy chicken without constant monitoring or complex techniques.
  • Healthy Protein Solution: Lean chicken breasts packed with essential nutrients provide a nutritious meal that supports muscle health and satisfies hunger without excessive calories.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: A blend of spices that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor while helping to keep the chicken tender during the slow cooking process.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Step 1: Blend Tantalizing Spices

Craft a mouthwatering seasoning blend by combining the following:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage these aromatic spices thoroughly into each chicken breast, ensuring every inch gets coated with flavor.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken in Slow Cooker

Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, positioning them carefully to maximize even cooking.

Step 3: Infuse with Liquid Goodness

Pour chicken broth over the chicken, creating a moisture-rich environment that will keep the meat tender and juicy.

Step 4: Transform with Gentle Heat

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low temperature.

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

The magic happens when the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F, ensuring perfectly cooked, succulent meat.

Step 5: Rest and Prepare

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker.

Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.

This crucial pause guarantees maximum tenderness.

Slice or shred the chicken as desired for your favorite recipe.

Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  • Add a splash of white wine or apple juice to the broth for extra tenderness and flavor depth.
  • Never overcook chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly moist results every time.
  • Create a rub by mixing dried herbs like thyme or rosemary with the current spice blend for more complex taste.
  • Shred cooled chicken and store in portioned containers for quick protein additions to salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
  • Double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Flavor Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  • Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace dried spices with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for a fragrant Mediterranean-style dish.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use water instead of chicken broth and replace salt with herb blends to reduce sodium content.
  • Keto-Friendly Preparation: Substitute chicken broth with bone broth for added nutrients and ensure using no-carb seasonings.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  • Protein Power Plate: Slice the tender chicken and arrange over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with fresh herbs for a nutritious meal.
  • Salad Sensation: Shred the chicken and toss into a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
  • Wrap Wonderland: Create delicious wraps by filling tortillas with the shredded chicken, adding lettuce, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a quick and satisfying dinner.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cool and store chicken in portioned containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, perfect for busy professionals and fitness enthusiasts.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring moisture remains.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Juicy slow cooker chicken breast delivers mouthwatering tenderness straight from your kitchen. Herb-infused meat emerges perfectly cooked with minimal effort, promising a delectable meal you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquids:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings:

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

Instructions

  1. Blend aromatic spices including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, thoroughly coating each chicken breast.
  2. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker basin, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  3. Gently cascade chicken broth around the meat, creating a moist cooking environment.
  4. Secure the lid and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing chicken to simmer and tenderize for approximately 3-4 hours.
  5. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
  6. Once cooked, transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow a brief 5-minute resting period to redistribute internal juices.
  7. Slice or shred chicken using two forks, preparing it for serving or further recipe incorporation.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful results.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning or Cajun spices to customize the flavor profile.
  • For a lighter option, replace chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth or water to reduce salt intake.
  • Shred the cooked chicken and store in airtight containers for easy meal prep 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: 1450 mg
  • Fat: 3.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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