Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful Every Time

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling tender, juicy chicken breasts from the slow cooker, perfectly seasoned and ready to elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing a hearty salad, crafting delicious sandwiches, or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is your new best friend. Let me share my secrets to achieving the best crockpot chicken every single time.

I Know What You’re Thinking

Chicken breast can sometimes feel a bit… uninspiring. Dry, overcooked, and lacking in flavor are all too common complaints. But trust me, this slow cooker method transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something truly special. With just a handful of ingredients and one secret touch, you’ll never think slow-cooked chicken can be this delicious.

Confession time: I’ve had my share of dry, overcooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. It’s a kitchen faux pas many of us have made. That’s why I set out to create a foolproof recipe that ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time, without the guesswork.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken Breast, you’ll need:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (each about 200-225 grams)
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter

Let’s Get Cooking

1. Season the Chicken: Start by combining ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon of onion powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of paprika in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring every bit is well-coated.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Pour ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
4. Butter It Up: Cut 1 tablespoon of butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. This is my secret ingredient that adds a rich, creamy flavor and keeps the chicken extra juicy.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you prefer your chicken sliced, transfer it to a cutting board after cooking and let it rest, covered, for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Chicken: While you don’t need to buy the most expensive chicken breasts, opting for good quality makes a noticeable difference. I often purchase frozen breasts on sale and stick with a trusted brand to ensure consistency.
• Proper Slow Cooker Size: A 2.5-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe, comfortably accommodating 4 to 6 chicken breasts. Avoid using a larger pot with just a couple of breasts, as it can lead to quicker cooking and a higher chance of drying out.
• To Sear or Not to Sear: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker can add a bit more flavor, but it’s not necessary. If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, feel free to skip this step.
• Don’t Overcook: To prevent overcooking, make sure your slow cooker is at least half full. This helps maintain a steady temperature and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Handling Frozen Chicken

Sometimes, mornings can be hectic, and you might forget to thaw your chicken breasts. Here’s a safe way to handle frozen chicken:

Instead of placing frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker, which can keep it in the “danger zone” temperature range for too long, place the frozen breasts in a large freezer bag. Seal it tightly and submerge the bag in cool water for about 20 minutes. Flip the bag and let it sit for another 20 minutes. This method safely thaws the chicken, making it ready for cooking without compromising safety.

Delicious Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun twists to keep things interesting:

• Taco Chicken: Add a packet of taco seasoning for flavorful chicken perfect for tacos or burritos.
• BBQ Chicken: Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce after cooking for a tangy, smoky flavor.
• Italian Style: Mix in some Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Saucy Chicken: Incorporate sauces like honey mustard, teriyaki, or buffalo for a quick and easy dinner with a flavor boost.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast contains approximately:

• Calories: 157 cal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 79mg
• Sodium: 451mg
• Potassium: 430mg
• Vitamin A: 150 IU
• Vitamin C: 1.3mg
• Calcium: 6mg
• Iron: 0.4mg

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its juicy texture and rich flavor, it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a variety of dishes. Say goodbye to dry chicken breasts and hello to effortless, delicious meals that your whole family will love.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked slow cooker chicken breast!