Introduction

Discover how to create effortlessly tender and juicy crockpot chicken breast for your busy weeknights. This simple recipe ensures your chicken is never dry, always packed with flavor, and perfect for a variety of healthy meals. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can achieve maximum deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Juicy: Say goodbye to dry chicken! This method guarantees a moist, tender slow cooker chicken breast every time.
Minimal Prep: It’s a true “dump-and-go” recipe, requiring only minutes of hands-on time before the slow cooker does all the work.
Extremely Versatile: This flavorful chicken serves as a blank canvas for endless meal possibilities, from salads to sandwiches.
Healthy & Lean: A protein-packed option, this dish is easily customizable to fit various dietary needs.
Beginner-Friendly: Our foolproof cooking method makes this an ideal recipe for anyone new to the kitchen or slow cooking.

Ingredients

Preparing a delicious crockpot chicken breast only requires a handful of pantry staples. Here is everything you need to get started:

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon pepper
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon paprika
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
1 tablespoon salted butter

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Always use fresh or completely thawed boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Never cook frozen chicken directly in your slow cooker.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended, but you can use water for a milder flavor or vegetable stock as a substitute.
Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to your preference. Add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme for an herbal twist.
Butter: Salted butter adds richness and enhances juiciness. Unsalted butter or a dairy-free margarine can be used if preferred.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker chicken recipe:

4- to 6-quart slow cooker
Small bowl
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Sharp knife (for slicing or shredding)

Instructions

Getting started with your perfectly cooked crockpot chicken breast is incredibly easy! Follow these simple steps for tender results every time.

Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, stir together the salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Season Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean surface. Evenly coat both sides of each chicken breast with the prepared seasoning blend. Gently rub the spices into the chicken.
Arrange in Slow Cooker: Pour the ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
Add Butter: Cut the 1 tablespoon of salted butter into small pieces. Distribute these small butter pieces on top of the chicken breasts. This helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 3 hours. Always verify the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures your crockpot chicken breast is safely cooked.
Rest & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts to a clean cutting board. Cover them loosely with foil to keep warm and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for retaining all the delicious juices before you slice or shred the tender chicken.

Tips for Perfect Results

Chicken Quality: Always start with good quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
Slow Cooker Size: Ensure your slow cooker is filled at least halfway, but not completely packed, for even cooking.
Don’t Overcook: The key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute, leading to incredibly tender chicken.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast in a Crockpot

For safety, it’s very important to note: The FDA recommends you do NOT cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker. A slow cooker may keep frozen chicken in the “danger zone” (40°F to 140°F) for too long, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply. Always thaw your chicken completely before cooking in a slow cooker. You can safely thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or by submerging it in a cold water bath. The USDA provides further guidance on slow cooker safety for cooking frozen foods.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Preventing Dryness: The best way to prevent dry slow cooker chicken breast is by using a meat thermometer and removing it immediately when it reaches 165°F. The small amount of broth and butter also contribute to moisture.
Shredding vs. Slicing: For easy shredding, use two forks to pull the chicken apart while it’s still warm. If you prefer slices, allow it to rest before cutting against the grain.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly crisper exterior, briefly sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds depth.
Doubling the Recipe: If you double the amount of crockpot chicken breast, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the chicken without overfilling.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This tender crockpot chicken breast is incredibly versatile and can be the star of countless meals.

Serving Ideas: Enjoy it simply with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite roasted vegetables. It is also fantastic shredded into pasta dishes, atop a fresh garden salad, or tucked into sandwiches and wraps.
Taco Chicken: Add 1 packet of taco seasoning mix along with the other spices. Shred the chicken and serve in tortillas with your favorite crockpot chicken tacos.
BBQ Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken and toss it with ½ cup of your favorite BBQ Chicken. Return to the slow cooker on warm for 15-20 minutes to heat through.
Italian Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes (undrained) to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store cooked crockpot chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled chicken in individual portions in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

This crockpot chicken breast recipe offers a healthy, protein-rich option for any meal. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving based on four servings.

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

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and cooking methods.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breast in my crockpot? No, for food safety reasons, always thaw chicken completely before cooking it in a slow cooker to prevent bacterial growth.
How long does chicken breast take in a slow cooker? This recipe cooks boneless, skinless chicken breasts on LOW for 3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I prevent my chicken breast from drying out? Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure it hits 165°F exactly. Allowing the crockpot chicken breast to rest after cooking also helps retain moisture.
What are good ways to serve this crockpot chicken? It’s great with rice, salads, sandwiches, or even shredded into tacos and pasta dishes.
Can I double or halve this recipe? Yes, you can adjust the amounts, but you may need to slightly modify the cooking time if doubling the recipe.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate recipe for achieving perfectly tender and incredibly juicy crockpot chicken breast every single time. This easy slow cooker method takes the stress out of meal prep, delivering a versatile and flavorful protein that the whole family will love. Give this foolproof recipe a try tonight and discover the joy of effortless cooking. We can’t wait to see your delicious creations, so share your photos and leave a review!