Crockpot Chicken Breast: So Juicy and Flavorful

Are you looking for an incredibly easy, flavorful, and versatile meal? This Crockpot Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken every single time! It requires minimal effort and guarantees maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a smart choice for your meal prep. Get ready for perfectly seasoned chicken that’s moist and delicious, ready to elevate any dish you choose.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken

This recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking simplicity and amazing taste. You’ll quickly see why this Crockpot Chicken becomes a household favorite.

• Effortless Cooking: Enjoy minimal hands-on time. Just set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the work.
• Incredibly Juicy: Say goodbye to dry chicken. This method ensures consistently tender and moist results, packed with flavor.
• Flavorful Rub: A simple, versatile seasoning blend creates a delicious crust and infuses the chicken deeply.
• Ultimate Meal Prep: Cook a batch of this Crockpot Chicken as a base for endless meals throughout your week.
• Healthy Option: It’s a lean protein powerhouse, easily customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by all ages, this mild yet flavorful chicken is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite Crockpot Chicken dish. Each component plays a role in achieving that perfect juicy texture and robust flavor.

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this Crockpot Chicken recipe to fit what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenderloins work wonderfully too. Adjust cooking time slightly for smaller pieces.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. The broth adds moisture and flavor to the slow cooker chicken.
• Oil: Avocado oil or a neutral vegetable oil can replace olive oil.
• Seasoning: Feel free to customize the rub. Add chili powder for a kick, or dried oregano for an Italian twist.
• Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones, using triple the amount (e.g., 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme for ½ teaspoon dried).

Equipment

You won’t need many special gadgets for this recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will help you prepare delicious slow cooker chicken.

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

Creating this delicious Crockpot Chicken is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for tender, flavorful results every time.

1. Prepare Slow Cooker: First, pour the ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This liquid helps prevent the chicken from sticking and adds moisture.
2. Combine Seasoning: In a small dish or bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, ground paprika, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix them well until evenly combined. This creates your flavorful dry rub for the Crockpot Chicken.
3. Season Chicken: Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and lightly rub it all over with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, generously sprinkle and rub the combined seasoning blend onto all sides of each chicken breast. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
4. Arrange Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Try not to overcrowd the pot, allowing some space between pieces if possible.
5. Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low often yields slightly more tender results.
6. Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast.

The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

It is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken. Then, you can slice, dice, or shred the chicken as desired.

Step-by-Step Visuals

(Imagine these images here)

• Image: Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts arranged in a slow cooker, ready to cook.
• Image: Golden, cooked Crockpot Chicken breasts resting in the slow cooker after the cooking time.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These expert tips will help you achieve the most delicious Crockpot Chicken every time. Avoid common pitfalls and enhance your cooking experience.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your chicken breasts enough space in the slow cooker for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked or stewed results.
• Avoid Overcooking: The biggest mistake with chicken is overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken once it reaches 165°F to prevent dry, tough meat.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Older crockpots may run hotter than newer models. Get to know your appliance; you might need to adjust cooking times slightly.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, add some aromatics like sliced onions or minced garlic directly into the broth before adding the chicken.
• Thicker Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness. This ensures they cook more uniformly.
• Shredding: Cooked Crockpot Chicken is incredibly easy to shred. Use two forks directly in the slow cooker or on a cutting board for quick meal prep.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Crockpot Chicken opens up a world of culinary possibilities. It’s perfect for immediate enjoyment or for prepping meals throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

• Main Dish: Pair your tender chicken with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
• Salads: Chop or shred the cooked chicken to add a lean protein boost to any salad, from a simple garden salad to a vibrant Cobb.
• Sandwiches/Wraps: Shred the chicken for delicious and easy sandwich fillings, perfect for lunchboxes or quick meals.
• Tacos/Fajitas: Slice or shred the Crockpot Chicken and serve it in tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Casseroles/Soups: This pre-cooked chicken is an excellent addition to your favorite chicken casseroles, hearty soups, or comforting stews.
• Meal Prep: Portion the cooked and cooled chicken for weekly lunches or dinners. It reheats beautifully and stays juicy.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date for best quality.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth, or in the microwave until just warmed through to maintain its moisture.

Variations

Easily transform your basic Crockpot Chicken into a completely new dish with these simple variations.

• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a few lemon slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for a bright, aromatic flavor.
• Spicy Chicken: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning rub.
• BBQ Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Return it to the slow cooker on warm for 15-30 minutes.
• Italian Chicken: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the rub and add a can of diced tomatoes (undrained) to the slow cooker.
• Mexican Chicken: Use taco seasoning in place of the rub and add a cup of your favorite salsa to the slow cooker for a zesty twist.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this delicious Crockpot Chicken knowing it’s a healthy and satisfying meal choice. The nutritional values are approximate per serving.

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect Crockpot Chicken? We’ve got answers to help you out.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you must increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on either setting to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
• How do I prevent chicken from drying out? The best way is to not overcook it; always use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken as soon as it hits 165°F internal temperature.
• Can I add vegetables to the crockpot? Absolutely! Heartier vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers can be added during the last 1-2 hours of cooking so they don’t become mushy.
• What size crockpot is best for this recipe? A 3-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for cooking four chicken breasts, providing enough space without overcrowding.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken recipe truly embodies simplicity, juiciness, and incredible flavor. It takes minimal effort to achieve perfectly tender chicken that’s ready for countless meal possibilities. Make this easy slow cooker chicken a versatile staple in your kitchen for weeknight dinners and smart meal prep. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite way to cook chicken!

Crockpot Chicken Breast: So Juicy and Flavorful

This simple crockpot chicken breast recipe yields incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. With minimal effort, you can enjoy tender chicken infused with a delicious blend of herbs and spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Small dish

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
• Combine salt, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small dish.
• Rub olive oil over the chicken breasts, then generously season them with the combined spice mixture.
• Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
• Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Notes

For best results, ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size to promote even cooking. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).