Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

The Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe (Easy & Healthy!)

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Looking for a foolproof Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe? This easy, healthy slow cooker chicken is tender, juicy, and perfect for meal prep, salads, tacos, and more!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

Tired of dry, bland chicken breast? A slow cooker is the secret to perfectly tender, juicy chicken with almost no effort! Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving a healthy, protein-packed meal, this easy Crockpot chicken breast recipe is a game-changer.

Check: Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

✅ Set it & forget it – Minimal prep, hands-off cooking.
✅ Versatile – Use in salads, tacos, sandwiches, pasta, and more!
✅ Healthy & lean – No frying, just simple ingredients.
✅ Meal prep friendly – Cook once, eat all week!

Plus, I’ll share pro tips to avoid dry chicken, flavor variations (such as BBQ, Mexican, and Italian!), and the best ways to serve it. Let’s get cooking!

Why Cook Chicken Breast in a Crockpot?

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, rubbery chicken breast, the slow cooker is your best friend. Here’s why:

✔ Prevents Overcooking – The gentle heat keeps chicken moist.
✔ Hands-Off Cooking – No babysitting the stove.
✔ Flavor Infusion – Seasonings and broth keep it juicy.
✔ Meal Prep Dream – Cook a big batch for easy lunches/dinners.

Common Mistake? Overcooking! Stick to the recommended times, and you’ll have perfectly tender chicken every time.

Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Chicken Breast

(Makes 4 servings)

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)

  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water) – keeps it moist

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp paprika (adds a smoky touch)

  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for richness)

Optional Boosters:

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)

  • 2 minced garlic cloves (extra savory kick)

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crockpot Chicken Breast

1. Prep the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick).

  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

2. Layer in the Crockpot

  • Pour broth into the slow cooker.

  • Add chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!).

  • Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.

  • (Optional: Add minced garlic or lemon juice.)

3. Cook to Perfection

  • Low setting: 3–4 hours

  • High setting: 1.5–2 hours

  • Done when internal temp reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer).

4. Rest & Serve

  • Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.

  • (Optional: Reduce cooking liquid into a light gravy.)

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

  • Don’t Overcook! Check early—chicken dries out fast past 165°F.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer – The best way to guarantee perfect doneness.
  • For an Extra Flavor: Sear the chicken in a pan first (optional, but delicious).
  • Shredding Tip: Cook for an extra 30 minutes to ensure easy pulling.
  • Rest Before Cutting – Let juices redistribute.

5 Flavor Variations to Try

  1. Mexican Shredded Chicken – Add taco seasoning + ½ cup salsa.

  2. BBQ Pulled Chicken – Mix in ½ cup BBQ sauce before cooking.

  3. Lemon Garlic Herb – Double lemon juice + fresh rosemary.

  4. Creamy Italian Chicken – Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese + sun-dried tomatoes.

  5. Spicy Buffalo – Toss with hot sauce after shredding.

How to Use Your Crockpot Chicken Breast

  • Meal Prep Bowls – Pair with rice & veggies.

  • Tacos/Wraps – Add avocado & lime.

  • Salads – Slice over greens with balsamic.

  • Pasta Dishes – Toss with Alfredo or marinara.

  • Sandwiches – Pile on a bun with coleslaw.

Storage & Freezing

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

  • Freezer: Shred & freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight).

  • Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth to keep moist.

Preparation Process & Recipe PDF Download

AuthorCrockpot Chicken RecipesDifficultyBeginner

Instructions:

  1. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.

  2. Combine salt, onion powder, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small dish.

  3. Rub olive oil and the seasoning mix over the chicken breasts.

  4. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.

  5. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Yields1 Serving
Prep Time10 minsCook Time6 hrsTotal Time6 hrs 10 mins

Key Ingredients:
 4 Chicken breasts boneless, skinless
 ½ cup Low-sodium chicken broth
 2 tbsp Olive oil
 1 tsp Kosher salt
 ½ tsp Onion powder
 ½ tsp Dried thyme
 ½ tsp Ground paprika
 ¼ tsp Ground black pepper
 ¼ tsp Garlic powder

1

Directions:

  1. Prep the Chicken:

    • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

    • Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

  2. Layer in Crockpot:

    • Pour chicken broth into the crockpot.

    • Add seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer.

    • Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter (and lemon juice/garlic if using).

    • Add veggies (if using) around the chicken.

  3. Cook:

    • Low setting: 3-4 hours

    • High setting: 1.5-2 hours

    • Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F and juices run clear.

  4. Rest & Serve:

    • Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing/shredding.

    • Optional: Strain cooking liquid to make gravy or drizzle over chicken.

Tips:

  • Avoid Overcooking: Check at earliest time to prevent dryness.

  • Shredding: For pulled chicken, cook an extra 30 minutes and shred with forks.

  • Flavor Boost: Add cream of chicken soup or BBQ sauce for richer taste.

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or salads. Enjoy!

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

Ingredients

Key Ingredients:
 4 Chicken breasts boneless, skinless
 ½ cup Low-sodium chicken broth
 2 tbsp Olive oil
 1 tsp Kosher salt
 ½ tsp Onion powder
 ½ tsp Dried thyme
 ½ tsp Ground paprika
 ¼ tsp Ground black pepper
 ¼ tsp Garlic powder

Directions

1

Directions:

  1. Prep the Chicken:

    • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

    • Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

  2. Layer in Crockpot:

    • Pour chicken broth into the crockpot.

    • Add seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer.

    • Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter (and lemon juice/garlic if using).

    • Add veggies (if using) around the chicken.

  3. Cook:

    • Low setting: 3-4 hours

    • High setting: 1.5-2 hours

    • Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F and juices run clear.

  4. Rest & Serve:

    • Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing/shredding.

    • Optional: Strain cooking liquid to make gravy or drizzle over chicken.

Tips:

  • Avoid Overcooking: Check at earliest time to prevent dryness.

  • Shredding: For pulled chicken, cook an extra 30 minutes and shred with forks.

  • Flavor Boost: Add cream of chicken soup or BBQ sauce for richer taste.

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or salads. Enjoy!

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

Notes

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe
IngredientsDirections

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but add 1–2 hours to cook time (check temp to be safe).

Q: Why is my chicken dry?
A: Likely overcooked—stick to the recommended time/temp!

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but avoid stacking chicken—use a larger crockpot.

Ready to Try It?

This Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe is the easiest way to get tender, flavorful chicken with zero stress. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd!

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