If you're craving tender, juicy chicken with barely any work, this Crockpot Chicken Breast is a total game-changer! Imagine perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that's so full of flavor, you'll keep it on repeat.
It's the absolute best recipe for busy nights. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let the magic happen-no babysitting, no fuss, and dinner is ready when you are.
Pull this out for weekly meal prep, a cozy Sunday supper, or anytime you want a healthy, fuss-free meal. Trust me, once you taste how juicy and succulent these chicken breasts turn out, you'll never go back to dry overcooked chicken again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking means more free time for you
- Produces incredibly tender, never-dry chicken breasts
- Versatile for sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more
- Healthy, lean protein-packed meal with simple ingredients
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Breast
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
This is the star of the recipe and the reason your meal will be so high in lean protein! Use evenly sized breasts for even cooking. Fresh works best, but if using frozen, thaw first for food safety.
Chicken Broth
A splash of low-sodium chicken broth keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking and helps build flavor. If you need a substitute, vegetable broth or water will work, though the flavor will be less rich.
Olive Oil
Just a bit of olive oil infuses the chicken with moisture and helps the seasoning stick. You can swap in avocado oil or melted butter for slightly different flavor profiles.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
These dried aromatics add major flavor with zero chopping required! Feel free to use fresh garlic or onion if you'd like a more pronounced, punchy flavor, though dried blends seamlessly into the cooking liquid.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken. You can use regular paprika if that's all you have, or try chili powder for a little kick.
Italian Seasoning
This classic blend amps up the savory notes and makes the chicken extra aromatic. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Breast
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze!
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle both sides evenly with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to help it stick.
Add to Crockpot
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around (not directly on top of) the chicken to keep it moist as it cooks.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken registers 165°F internally and is fork-tender. Avoid overcooking-chicken breast dries out quickly, so check for doneness right at the 3-hour mark if your slow cooker runs hot.
Rest, Slice, and Serve
Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps your chicken super juicy!
Recipe Variations
Make It Spicy
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning blend for a little extra heat. Cajun or taco seasoning can also add a bold, spicy twist.
Creamy Chicken
Pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for rich, creamy chicken that's great over mashed potatoes or pasta.
Herby Lemon Chicken
Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary and the juice of half a lemon to the slow cooker for a bright, herbaceous flavor. Lemon zest gives extra zing!
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten- and dairy-free as written. If you're using store-bought broth, double-check that it's certified gluten-free.
Swap the Protein
Boneless, skinless turkey breast or boneless thighs also work wonderfully. Cooking times may vary slightly; check internal temp for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Chicken Breast with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a comforting base. Pair with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Top with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a pop of color and freshness!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave gently in 30-second bursts until warmed through, or warm on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of broth. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months-thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Breast (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?A: It's safest to thaw chicken breasts before slow-cooking. Cooking from frozen can cause the chicken to spend too long at unsafe temperatures, risking food safety.
Q: How do I keep my chicken breasts from drying out?A: Use the low setting, don't overcook, and be sure to add broth for moisture. Check the chicken for doneness at the low end of the cook time.
Q: Can I shred the chicken for meal prep?A: Absolutely! After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and use it for tacos, salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as a protein boost in grain bowls.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you fall in love with how easy and delicious this Crockpot Chicken Breast is. If you try it, please leave a comment and star rating below-your feedback makes my day and helps other readers, too!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Lightly grease the slow cooker insert.
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2Pat chicken breasts dry, rub with olive oil.
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3In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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4Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the chicken.
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5Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around the chicken.
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6Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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7Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice or shred as desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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