Name: Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489004H53M37S
Total time: PT-489004H53M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder

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If you’re craving a comforting, juicy, and fuss-free meal, this Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need to transform your dinner routine. It’s packed with simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, yielding tender chicken breasts that stay moist and delicious every single time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a hands-off dinner solution, this recipe is a total game-changer that anyone can master.

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe is easy because it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role. From the gentle seasoning to the broth that keeps the chicken tender, these essentials work together beautifully to create rich flavor and perfect texture.

Chicken breasts (4 boneless, skinless, about 6-8 oz each): The star of the recipe, choose evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and depth without overwhelming the natural chicken taste.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps keep the chicken moist while locking in the seasonings.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
Onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder (season blend): This combination adds a balanced punch of savory, herbal, and smoky elements.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Seasoning Blend

Start by pouring half a cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful cooking base that keeps the chicken moist. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. This carefully crafted seasoning blend is what gives the chicken its irresistible aroma and taste.

Step 2: Dry and Oil the Chicken Breasts

Patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels is a small step that makes a huge difference — it helps the olive oil and seasonings stick to the surface for maximum flavor. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and use your hands to coat each breast evenly, then sprinkle your seasoning blend on all sides, pressing gently so every inch gets coated.

Step 3: Lay the Chicken in the Crockpot

Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single, even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. It’s important not to overlap the pieces because that can cause uneven cooking, leaving some parts undercooked while others dry out.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours or HIGH for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Since slow cooker models and chicken breast thickness can vary, start checking a little early to avoid overcooking. This low-and-slow approach is why the chicken ends up tender and full of flavor.

Step 5: Check for Doneness Carefully

The secret to juicy chicken breasts is not to overcook them. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. When it reaches 165°F (74°C), the chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to come out of the crockpot for resting.

Step 6: Rest and Slice or Shred

Transfer the cooked chicken onto a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial—it allows juices to redistribute inside the meat so every bite is tender and flavorful. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain or shred it with two forks for different serving styles.

Step 7: Serve with Juices

Don’t waste the flavorful liquid left in the crockpot! Spoon some over the sliced or shredded chicken as a natural, light sauce that adds moisture and taste to every bite.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can brighten up your dish instantly. Try some chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil also complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe pairs effortlessly with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a wholesome meal, consider serving it alongside quinoa, steamed rice, or buttery garlic bread that can soak up the delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform leftover chicken into quick meals like tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. Shredded chicken can also be layered into casseroles or tossed with pasta and a light sauce for a completely different yet equally delicious dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the chicken submerged or covered with some of the cooking juices helps maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe also freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken will maintain its quality for up to 3 months and is perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Using a low heat setting preserves tenderness and keeps the chicken juicy, just like when it was freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even and safe cooking, but if you’re short on time, you can cook from frozen—just increase the cooking time by about 30 to 60 minutes and check doneness carefully.

How can I make sure my chicken breasts don’t dry out?

Patting the chicken dry, coating it well with olive oil and seasoning, and cooking with chicken broth in the slow cooker all help retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to reach exactly 165°F.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because the chicken can be cooked in bulk, refrigerated, and used throughout the week in various dishes.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?

Yes! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions can be added beneath or around the chicken for a full meal cooked together. Just adjust cooking times if needed based on the veggies used.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the seasoning blend?

No worries! You can customize the blend with what you have on hand. Even just salt, pepper, and garlic powder make a tasty base, or use your favorite poultry seasoning mix instead.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the ease and flavor of this Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe to brighten your dinner table. It’s dependable, juicy, and packed with simple ingredients that make every bite a delight. I truly encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new go-to for busy nights or meal prep days!

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Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Easy & Juicy Crockpot Chicken Breasts recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken cooked low and slow in a crockpot. Using a simple seasoning blend and chicken broth, the chicken stays moist and is perfect for a variety of meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)

Seasoning & Broth

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the Broth and Seasoning Blend: Pour ½ cup of chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to mix evenly.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure the oil and seasoning stick properly. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and coat all sides evenly with your hands. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over all surfaces, pressing gently to adhere.
Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Avoid overlapping pieces to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Start checking early as cook times vary based on thickness and slow cooker model.
Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read meat thermometer; the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked and juicy.
Rest the Chicken: Transfer chicken to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for moist and flavorful meat.
Slice or Shred and Serve: Slice chicken against the grain or shred with forks. Spoon some of the flavorful liquid left in the crockpot over the chicken as a light sauce.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key to getting good flavor coverage.
Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; use a thermometer for best results.
The leftover crockpot liquid is a great sauce; consider reducing it slightly if you want a thicker consistency.
This recipe is versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep bowls.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours (Low) / 1.5 to 2.5 hours (High)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American