The Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe is the kind of dependable meal every home cook needs, and this one earns its spot in your weekly rotation right away. If you want juicy, tender chicken breasts that practically cook themselves, this simple crock pot method delivers reliable results with minimal effort and everyday ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe
This recipe is all about simplicity, flexibility, and consistently good results. Chicken breasts are lean and affordable, but they can dry out quickly if cooked the wrong way. The slow cooker solves that problem by gently cooking the chicken in a moist environment, helping it stay tender and flavorful.
You will love this recipe because it is incredibly hands-off. Once everything goes into the slow cooker, you are free to focus on work, family, or relaxing. It is also ideal for meal prep since the chicken can be used in salads, wraps, grain bowls, soups, and casseroles throughout the week.
Another reason this recipe stands out is how family-friendly it is. The seasoning is mild and savory, which makes it appealing to kids and adults alike. You can easily customize it with sauces or spices after cooking to suit different tastes.
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. Try to choose pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If the breasts are very thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness.
Chicken broth
Broth adds moisture and light flavor. Reduced-sodium chicken broth is a great option if you want more control over salt levels. You can also use homemade broth if you have it on hand.
Olive oil or butter
Either option works well. Olive oil keeps the recipe dairy-free, while butter adds a slightly richer flavor.
Seasonings
Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika create a simple, balanced seasoning blend. You can adjust amounts or add dried herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker to create a moist cooking environment.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
Step 3: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top of the chicken.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low heat is key to keeping the chicken juicy. Avoid cooking on high, as this often leads to dry chicken breasts.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is opaque throughout. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest in the slow cooker for about 5 minutes before serving. You can serve the breasts whole, slice them, or shred them with two forks depending on how you plan to use them.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always cook chicken breasts on LOW to prevent dryness.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Do not overcrowd the slow cooker. Airflow helps even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing to retain juices.
- Save the cooking liquid to add moisture when reheating or shredding.
Flavor Variations
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe is a perfect base for customization. Try one of these ideas to switch things up.
- Italian Style
Add Italian seasoning and serve with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. - Mexican Inspired
Season with cumin and chili powder, then shred and use in tacos or burrito bowls. - Lemon Herb
Add lemon juice and dried thyme or rosemary for a fresh, bright flavor. - BBQ Chicken
Brush cooked chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce and serve on buns or with coleslaw. - Asian Inspired
After cooking, toss shredded chicken with teriyaki or sesame ginger sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and pair well with many sides. Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa for a complete dinner.
For lighter meals, slice the chicken over green salads or stuff it into wraps and pita pockets. Shredded chicken works well in soups, casseroles, enchiladas, and sandwiches.
This recipe is also excellent for meal prep. Portion the chicken with grains and vegetables into containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator
Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep some of the cooking liquid with the chicken to help maintain moisture.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Shredded chicken freezes especially well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 4 heures 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
Des blancs de poulet ultra tendres et juteux cuits à la mijoteuse avec un minimum d’effort, parfaits pour les repas de semaine, le meal prep et les dîners familiaux simples et fiables.
Ingredients
- 2 livres de blancs de poulet désossés et sans peau
- 1 tasse de bouillon de poulet
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile d’olive ou de beurre fondu
- 1 cuillère à café de poudre d’ail
- 1 cuillère à café de poudre d’oignon
- 1 cuillère à café de paprika
- 3/4 cuillère à café de sel
- 1/2 cuillère à café de poivre noir
Instructions
- Graisser légèrement la mijoteuse et verser le bouillon de poulet au fond.
- Sécher les blancs de poulet avec du papier absorbant.
- Mélanger la poudre d’ail, la poudre d’oignon, le paprika, le sel et le poivre.
- Assaisonner les blancs de poulet uniformément des deux côtés.
- Placer le poulet dans la mijoteuse en une seule couche si possible.
- Arroser avec l’huile d’olive ou le beurre fondu.
- Couvrir et cuire à basse température pendant 3 à 4 heures.
- Vérifier que la température interne atteint 165°F.
- Laisser reposer 5 minutes avant de servir, trancher ou effilocher selon l’utilisation.
Notes
Cuire à basse température uniquement pour éviter que le poulet ne sèche. Conserver un peu de jus de cuisson pour garder le poulet moelleux lors du réchauffage ou de l’effilochage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 heures
- Category: Plat Principal
- Method: Mijoteuse
- Cuisine: Américaine
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker because it may stay in the unsafe temperature range too long. For best results, thaw chicken breasts fully before cooking.
How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
Cooking on low heat and using enough liquid are the most important factors. Avoid overcooking and remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F internally.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and are even more forgiving than breasts. Cooking time is similar, and thighs tend to stay extra juicy.
Is this recipe good for shredding?
Absolutely. After cooking, the chicken should shred easily with two forks. Adding some of the cooking liquid back in keeps the shredded chicken moist.
Can I double this recipe?
You can double the recipe as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Try to keep the chicken in an even layer for consistent cooking.
Final Thoughts
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts Recipe proves that simple cooking methods can still deliver great flavor and texture. This recipe is reliable, adaptable, and perfect for busy schedules, meal prep, and family dinners. Once you master this basic method, you will find yourself using it again and again with different seasonings and sauces.
If you are looking for a stress-free way to cook chicken that stays juicy every time, this slow cooker recipe is a must-try.