If you have been on the lookout for a fuss-free, flavorful, and incredibly tender chicken dish, this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken breasts gently cooked all day in a slow cooker, absorbing every bit of the savory broth and spices, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s the kind of recipe that promises ease without compromising on taste, perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal waiting for you.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breast. Each item is carefully chosen to add depth, texture, and color, making this dish a well-rounded delight.

4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets: The star of the dish, these cook up tender and juicy when slow-cooked properly.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a kick to balance the palate.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic base note.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic, deepening the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a vibrant color and slight smokiness to the dish.
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a savory, rich base liquid for slow cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breast fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This blend is simple but powerful, setting the stage for delicious flavor throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear each chicken fillet for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step enhances the texture and locks in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast stays tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare for Slow Cooking

Transfer the seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken. The broth not only keeps the chicken moist but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Perfect

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 2 hours. Let the magic happen as the gentle, steady heat transforms your chicken breasts into succulent, juicy perfection.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This rest period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender bite every time.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Garnishes

To elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast, consider fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or thinly sliced green onions. These little touches add bursts of freshness and color, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice absorb the delicious juices perfectly, while roasted vegetables add texture and a pop of nutrition. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad offers a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast into something extraordinary by shredding it for tacos, adding it to hearty sandwiches, or topping a vibrant salad bowl. Its tender texture makes it incredibly versatile and a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life, freeze the cooked chicken breasts in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Slow Cooker Chicken Breast maintains its quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently to maintain moisture. Use a microwave with a cover or warm the chicken slowly on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

While it’s best to start with thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker—just increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing adds wonderful flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step; the chicken will still be delicious and tender.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth provides a different flavor profile but still keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

Yes! Adding root vegetables like carrots or potatoes can make it a one-pot meal. Just keep in mind they might cook quicker or slower, depending on size and type.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. With minimal effort, you get juicy, flavorful chicken that pleases the whole family and invites endless creativity. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how it ever wasn’t a staple in your kitchen!

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken using minimal ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, the chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices, seared for extra flavor, and then slow cooked in chicken broth to keep it moist and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets

Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Liquids and Fats

1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Evenly coat the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to infuse them with robust flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken fillets for about 2 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices.
Prepare for Slow Cooking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over them to keep the meat moist throughout the slow cooking process.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours to achieve tender, flavorful chicken.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bite.

Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker.
Searing the chicken before slow cooking helps to develop deeper flavor and color but can be omitted if short on time.
Use low sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
Check the internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Leftover chicken can be shredded for use in salads, sandwiches, or soups.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
Cuisine: American