Easy & Tender Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight solution! This chicken breast crockpot recipe is incredibly simple, requires minimal effort, and consistently delivers deliciously tender, juicy chicken. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy evenings, offering fantastic versatility for a multitude of meals throughout the week. You’ll love how effortlessly this simple slow cooker chicken comes together.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipe

This recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for many excellent reasons:

• Effortless & Minimal Prep Time: Simply combine a few ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the work. You get maximum flavor with minimal hands-on effort, freeing up your evening.
• Deliciously Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: The slow cooking process ensures your chicken breasts remain incredibly moist and fork-tender. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken with this reliable method for tender chicken breast in a slow cooker.
• Perfect for Meal Prep or Busy Weeknights: Prepare a batch on Sunday and have succulent chicken ready for meals all week long. It’s an ideal solution for those hectic days when time is short.
• Versatile for Various Dishes: This plain, perfectly seasoned chicken is a blank canvas. Enjoy it shredded in tacos, sliced over salads, or alongside your favorite vegetables and grains.

Ingredients

This simple chicken breast crockpot recipe uses basic pantry staples to create wonderfully flavorful slow-cooked chicken. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Notes & Substitutions

Selecting quality ingredients makes a difference. Always choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. For the broth, you can swap low-sodium chicken broth for vegetable broth, water, or even a splash of dry white wine to add a subtle depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust the herb and spice blend to your preference; rosemary, oregano, or a touch of cayenne pepper can elevate this slow-cooked chicken breast seasoning. Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil if you prefer.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic chicken breast crockpot recipe:

• 6-quart slow cooker (or similar size)
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Making this chicken breast crockpot recipe couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps to prepare your slow cooker chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Gently pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better.
2. Combine Seasonings: In a small mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, ground paprika, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir them together until well blended.
3. Oil the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over all sides of the patted-dry chicken breasts. Use your hands or a pastry brush to ensure they are lightly coated.
4. Season the Chicken: Generously rub the combined seasoning mixture over each chicken breast. Make sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor.
5. Add Broth to Slow Cooker: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. This creates moisture and prevents sticking.
6. Place Chicken: Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Avoid stacking them if possible to ensure even cooking.
7. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat ensures incredibly tender results.
8. Cook on High (Alternative): If you are short on time, you can cook the chicken on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours instead.
9. Finish & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. You can shred them using two forks, or slice them against the grain, ready for your meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfectly cooked slow cooker chicken every time with these helpful hints. Avoid overcrowding your crockpot; cook chicken breasts in a single layer if possible, or in batches, to ensure even cooking. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and adds significant time to the cooking process. To ensure safe consumption, the USDA provides clear guidelines on the minimum internal temperature for cooked poultry. Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safe internal temperature for chicken for food safety. To prevent dry chicken breasts, ensure you don’t overcook them; always check for doneness at the earlier end of the cooking range. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste before cooking, adding more or less based on preference. If your chicken is undercooked, simply continue cooking it for another 30-60 minutes on your chosen setting until it reaches the safe internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile slow cooker chicken is a fantastic base for countless meals. Serve it sliced over a fresh green salad, shredded in warm tortillas for tacos, or mixed into pasta with your favorite sauce. It’s also delicious alongside roasted vegetables or rice.

For optimal food safety and to prevent spoilage, it’s crucial to follow recommended storage times for cooked poultry. For storage, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days according to USDA guidelines for cooked chicken storage. You can also freeze cooked and shredded or sliced chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Crockpot Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth before cooking. This adds a nice kick to your chicken breast crockpot recipe.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Adaptation: Incorporate the zest and juice of one lemon, along with an extra teaspoon of dried rosemary or oregano, for a bright, fresh flavor profile.
• BBQ or Buffalo Chicken Option: After cooking, shred the chicken and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce. Return it to the slow cooker on warm for 15-20 minutes to heat through.

Nutrition Information

Please note that all nutrition information provided is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on ingredient brands, exact measurements, and preparation methods. This healthy crockpot chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein. We recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients for the most accurate values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but do not thaw them first. Place them directly into the slow cooker and add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time, ensuring they reach 165°F.

How long does cooked chicken last?

Cooked chicken will last safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Absolutely! Add sturdy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers during the last 1-2 hours of cooking. They will absorb the delicious flavors from your chicken breast crockpot recipe.

Why is my chicken dry?

Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, then remove it promptly.

What other cuts of chicken can I use?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might cook a bit faster than breasts.

Conclusion

This easy and flavorful chicken breast crockpot recipe is a game-changer for busy parents and beginners alike. It proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and incredibly tender results this slow cooker method provides, making mealtime stress-free. Give this recipe a try this week, and don’t forget to share your wonderful creations with us!

Easy & Tender Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipe

A foolproof slow cooker chicken breast recipe that's juicy, tender, and incredibly versatile. Perfect for meal prep, tacos, salads, or pasta dishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Meal Prep

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker Ideal size for even cooking
• small mixing bowl To combine spices
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Accurate measuring of broth and spices
• meat thermometer Ensure chicken reaches 165°F

Method

 

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
2. In a small bowl, mix salt, onion powder, thyme, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Rub olive oil on all sides of the chicken, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
4. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from slow cooker. Slice or shred and serve as desired.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result. Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking. For added flavor, toss shredded chicken in BBQ or buffalo sauce at the end.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.