The Juiciest Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken breast recipe brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Tender proteins simmer gently, infusing your home with irresistible aromas.

Weeknight dinners become effortless when you unlock this simple cooking technique.

Busy professionals and home cooks alike appreciate meals that practically prepare themselves.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor without complicated steps.

Lean and juicy, these chicken breasts promise a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

You can master this recipe with just a few smart techniques and some patience.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast That’s Tender

• Unleash Hands-Off Cooking: Toss ingredients in the slow cooker and walk away while delicious chicken develops without constant monitoring.
• Create Versatile Protein Base: Perfectly cooked chicken can transform into multiple meals like salads, sandwiches, tacos, or casseroles with minimal extra effort.
• Boost Flavor Easily: Simple spice blend delivers robust taste without complicated techniques, making restaurant-quality chicken accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Single pot cooking means fewer dishes, less washing time, and more enjoyment of your delectable meal with minimal mess.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this slow cooker recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Parsley, Salt, Black Pepper: A combination of spices that adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and helps keep the chicken juicy during the slow cooking process.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep Slow Cooker

Line the slow cooker with a liner or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Generously sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Gently pour chicken broth around the seasoned chicken breasts, creating a moist cooking environment.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat.

Allow the chicken to cook for 4-6 hours. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your specific slow cooker model.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Verify the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

Slice or shred the chicken as desired for your meal.

Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Use bone-in chicken breasts for extra flavor and moisture during slow cooking.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Drain excess liquid after cooking to prevent soggy texture and concentrate the seasoning flavors.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced aromatic profile and depth of taste.
• Meal prep by storing cooked chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Flavor Swaps for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace dried parsley with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt and use sodium-free chicken broth, replacing seasoning with fresh herbs and lemon zest for enhanced taste.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Swap chicken broth with bone broth and add a pat of grass-fed butter for extra healthy fats and rich flavor.

Best Pairings with Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Weeknight Protein Powerhouse: Slice the tender chicken and pile it onto crisp salad greens for a quick, nutritious meal packed with lean protein and bold seasonings.
• Sandwich Sensation: Shred the juicy chicken and layer it between soft bread with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of creamy mayo for a satisfying lunch option.
• Meal Prep Marvel: Portion the cooked chicken into containers with roasted vegetables and quinoa for grab-and-go lunches that keep you fueled throughout the week.
• Flavor Fusion Bowl: Chop the chicken and mix it into a warm grain bowl with brown rice, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of zesty sauce for a complete, balanced dinner.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

• Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to maintain moisture.
• Freeze leftover chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date to track freshness.

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 165°F for food safety.

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

You can substitute with similar herbs and spices you have on hand. Italian seasoning or a pre-mixed chicken seasoning works well as an alternative.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Always use chicken broth, cover the slow cooker completely, and avoid overcooking. Cooking on low setting helps keep the chicken moist and tender.

• Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in slow cookers. They have more fat content, which helps keep the meat juicy during slow cooking.

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken breast emerges as a simple, foolproof dinner solution for busy households. Moist, tender meat delivers protein-packed comfort with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

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

Liquid:

• 1 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts in an even layer within the slow cooker, ensuring they are not overlapping.
2. Create a flavor blend by combining dried garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
3. Generously dust the seasoning mixture over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Gently pour chicken broth around the seasoned meat, which will help maintain moisture during the cooking process.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to simmer and tenderize for approximately 4-6 hours.
6. Verify the chicken’s doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
7. Once fully cooked, carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
8. Slice or shred the chicken using two forks, preparing it for serving with your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to customize the flavor profile, like adding rosemary, thyme, or cayenne for a personal touch.
• For a more intense taste, marinate chicken breasts in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before slow cooking to help flavors penetrate deeper.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth or water if watching salt intake, and adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain robust flavor.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer for safe consumption, preventing any risk of foodborne illness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 3.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg