There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a slow cooker, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with savory seasonings make for a versatile dish that’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or sandwiches.
I first discovered this method while juggling a hectic schedule, and it has become my go-to recipe for no-fuss, flavorful chicken. Whether paired with rice, veggies, or shredded for tacos, this recipe delivers every time. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it!
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection. This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast is a lifesaver for busy days and a game-changer for meal planning.
It’s incredibly simple and hands-off. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set the timer, and let it work its magic while you tackle other tasks.
The chicken turns out perfectly moist and flavorful every single time. Slow cooking ensures the meat stays juicy without drying out, a common issue with chicken breasts.
This recipe is endlessly versatile. Enjoy it as a main dish, shred it for wraps, or dice it into salads. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor pairs beautifully with almost any cuisine.
Best of all, it’s budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth means you can create a gourmet-quality dish without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make it so special.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. Choose fresh or frozen chicken breasts, and remember to adjust cooking time if using frozen.
Chicken broth adds moisture and a depth of flavor to the chicken. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic powder and onion powder create a savory base of flavors. These pantry staples ensure every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the color of the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden hue.
Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices adhere evenly, creating a deliciously seasoned exterior.
No special equipment is needed, aside from a slow cooker. A digital meat thermometer can be helpful for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
Making this recipe is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This keeps the meat moist and infuses it with a subtle flavor boost as it cooks.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Cooking on low heat ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in perfectly moist chicken.
Storage Options
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it stores beautifully for future meals.
Refrigerator: Store the cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Slice or shred the chicken before storing for added convenience.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to a skillet, cover, and warm over low heat. This prevents the chicken from drying out and maintains its tender texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic base that can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest and juice to the chicken broth. It brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or rice.
Prefer an herby flavor? Add Italian seasoning or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to the seasoning blend.
Make it spicy by incorporating cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. Perfect for shredding and adding to tacos or spicy sandwiches.
Experiment with different liquids, such as white wine or coconut milk, to infuse unique flavors into the chicken.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is your ticket to easy, flavorful meals. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken ready to enjoy in countless ways. Happy cooking!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This slow cooker chicken breast recipe is an easy and delicious way to prepare tender and juicy chicken. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this dish combines simple ingredients and a slow cooking method for a foolproof meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- You can shred the chicken for salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
- Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
Leave a Reply