Slow Cooker Chicken Breast (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
If you’ve ever struggled with dry or bland chicken, you’re going to love this recipe for slow cooker chicken breast. Cooking chicken in the crockpot is one of the easiest ways to get tender, juicy results every time—without standing over a stove. With just a few minutes of prep and a handful of simple ingredients, you can let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
What I adore about this method is how versatile it is. Once the chicken is done, you can slice it for dinner, shred it for sandwiches, toss it into salads, or even use it in tacos and pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or when you just want a fuss-free dish that tastes like comfort food.
The best part? This recipe is totally customizable. You can keep it classic with herbs and garlic, or switch it up with your favorite sauces and spices. However you serve it, this slow cooker chicken breast will become a reliable staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make tender and juicy slow cooker chicken breast, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients. Most of these are probably already in your pantry, making this crockpot recipe both easy and budget-friendly.
- 2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) or sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for extra flavor
Tip: Keep the seasoning simple for versatile shredded chicken, or spice it up with your favorite blends if you’re serving it straight from the crockpot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make juicy and flavorful slow cooker chicken breast right in your crockpot.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Rub with olive oil and sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika.
- This simple seasoning blend keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot in a single layer.
- Pour chicken broth over the top to keep the meat from drying out.
Step 3: Set and Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid lifting the lid too often, since this releases heat and can affect cooking time.
| Chicken Breast Size | Cook on LOW | Cook on HIGH |
|---|---|---|
| Small (4–6 oz) | 5–6 hours | 2.5–3 hours |
| Medium (6–8 oz) | 6–7 hours | 3–3.5 hours |
| Large (8–10 oz) | 7–8 hours | 3.5–4 hours |
Step 4: Serve or Shred
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
- Serve whole with sides, or shred with two forks for tacos, sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
A big perk of making slow cooker chicken breast is how versatile it is—you can pair it with almost anything! Whether you want a cozy comfort meal or something light and fresh, this crockpot chicken works beautifully.
- Classic Comfort Sides: Mashed potatoes, baked mac and cheese, or buttery rice pilaf. These absorb the flavorful juices from the chicken.
- Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted broccoli keep the meal light and keto-friendly.
- Fresh & Simple: Tossed salad, coleslaw, or steamed green beans add balance and crunch.
- International Twist: Serve your crockpot chicken with naan bread and curry rice, Mediterranean couscous, or Mexican-style corn salad.
Tip: When serving shredded chicken, keep a few sauce options on the table—like BBQ, teriyaki, or ranch—so everyone can customize their plate.
Variations & Flavor Boosters
One of the best things about slow cooker chicken breast is how easy it is to customize. With just a few swaps or add-ins, you can turn this crockpot recipe into something brand new every time.
- BBQ Style: Add 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking. Shred the chicken and serve on buns for pulled chicken sandwiches.
- Mexican Twist: Season with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan: Stir in a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan during the last 30 minutes for a rich, comforting dish.
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for sweet-savory chicken that pairs beautifully with rice.
- Herb & Lemon: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon slices brighten up the chicken, making it perfect for a light dinner.
Tip: Try doubling the recipe and freezing half of the shredded chicken. That way, you’ll always have a quick crockpot meal ready to go.
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
If you loved this cheesy pasta dish, you’ll want to try more comforting slow cooker meals that make weeknight dinners stress-free:
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Cooking chicken in the crockpot is simple, but a few smart tips can take your slow cooker chicken breast from good to truly amazing.
- Use broth, not just water: Adding chicken broth keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
- Cook on LOW if possible: Low and slow cooking gives the most tender results. HIGH works in a pinch, but LOW makes juicier chicken.
- Don’t overcook: Chicken breast is lean, so it can dry out if left too long. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred while warm: If you plan to shred your chicken, do it right after cooking. It’s much easier than waiting until it cools.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, season under the chicken as well as on top before placing it in the crockpot.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guide
If you love meal prep, this slow cooker chicken breast is a lifesaver because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it safe and tasty:
- Fridge Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Shred or slice the chicken, portion into freezer bags, and remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Move from freezer to fridge the night before, or use your microwave’s defrost setting.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Quick but may dry the edges. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium with a little broth or sauce until warmed through.
- Oven: Place in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until hot.
| Method | Best For | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave | Single serving | 2–3 minutes | Add broth to avoid dryness |
| Stovetop | Multiple servings | 5–7 minutes | Stir occasionally |
| Oven | Large portions | 10–15 minutes | Cover with foil for moisture |
Pro Tip: Freeze chicken in meal-sized portions so you can defrost only what you need.
Nutrition & Diet Information
One reason I love making slow cooker chicken breast is that it’s both healthy and versatile. Since chicken breast is naturally lean and high in protein, this crockpot recipe fits into many different eating styles—from low-carb to family-friendly.
Here’s an approximate breakdown for 1 serving (about 4 oz cooked chicken, without sauces):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~165 |
| Protein | ~31 g |
| Fat | ~3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
Diet-Friendly Notes:
- Low-carb & Keto-friendly (no added sugar or carbs)
- Gluten-free (just check your broth and seasonings)
- Paleo & Whole30 compliant if you use clean seasonings and oils
- Great for meal prep since it stores and reheats beautifully
Tip: Pair your crockpot chicken with roasted veggies, brown rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Troubleshooting Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Even with an easy crockpot recipe, little things can go wrong. Here’s a quick guide to fix common problems:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Quick Fix / Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken is too dry | Cooked too long or not enough liquid | Add more broth or sauce and shred while warm |
| Chicken undercooked | Not enough time or thick pieces | Continue cooking until 165°F (74°C) internal |
| Chicken is bland | Under-seasoned or skipped liquid flavor | Season more generously or add sauce (BBQ, teriyaki, salsa) |
| Chicken stuck to crockpot | No liquid or no oil used | Always add broth and lightly oil the crockpot |
| Chicken overcooked | Left on “keep warm” too long | Shred and mix with broth/sauce to restore moisture |
Pro Tip: Keep a meat thermometer handy—checking at the 3-hour mark (on HIGH) or 6-hour mark (on LOW) prevents most cooking mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chicken breast take to cook in a slow cooker?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts usually take 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH in a slow cooker. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do you need liquid to slow cook chicken breast?
Yes, adding some liquid is important when making slow cooker chicken breast. Even just ½ to 1 cup of broth, water, or sauce helps keep the meat moist and prevents sticking.
Should chicken breasts be cooked on high or low in a crockpot?
For the juiciest results, it’s best to cook chicken breasts on LOW. The crockpot’s gentle heat makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Cooking on HIGH works too, but the texture can be a bit firmer.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds (900 g–1.3 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or butter
Optional:
- fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) or sauce (BBQ, teriyaki, etc.)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika.
- Add to crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour broth over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve or shred: Remove chicken. Slice and serve, or shred with two forks.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Serving ideas: Shred for tacos, add to pasta, or pair with rice and veggies.
- Variations: Try BBQ, Mexican spices, or creamy garlic parmesan for different flavors.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: ~4 oz (113 g) cooked chickenAmount Per Serving:Calories: 165Total Fat: 3.5gCarbohydrates: 0gProtein: 31g
Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, calculate using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Making slow cooker chicken breast in the crockpot is one of the easiest ways to get juicy, tender chicken with hardly any effort. With just a few simple ingredients and a set-it-and-forget-it method, you can have a versatile dish ready for dinner, meal prep, or weeknight lunches.
Whether you enjoy it shredded in tacos, sliced over salads, or served with your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let me know how you use your crockpot chicken—there are so many delicious possibilities!
