Name: Crockpot Chicken Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
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

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!

Crockpot Chicken Breast in slow cooker, juicy and perfectly seasoned

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!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 176 ratings