Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Delicious slow cooker chicken breast served with vegetables
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why make this recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast is easy, hands-off, and gives juicy chicken every time. You can set it and forget it. The flavors build slowly and the sauce stays simple. This recipe works well for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.

introduction

This recipe uses simple spices, butter, garlic, and a little lemon to keep the chicken moist and tasty. It cooks low and slow so the chicken stays tender. If you need timing ideas for thinner cuts, read this cooking time for thin chicken breasts article to compare times.

how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Add the cubed butter and sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken.
  4. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the cooker. Tuck thyme sprigs over the chicken.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  6. Slice or shred the chicken and spoon the cooking sauce over the top before serving.
    If you like using your slow cooker for other meats, this slow-cooked spare ribs recipe shows a similar slow, low method for beef.

Ingredients :

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 tbsp butter (cubed)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh sprigs)

Directions :

  • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  • Add butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
  • Slice or shred chicken and spoon sauce over the top before serving.

how to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Serve the sliced or shredded chicken over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a salad. Spoon the warm sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Add steamed vegetables or a side salad for a full meal.

how to store Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Let the chicken cool to room temperature for up to 2 hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

  • Use similar sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly.
  • Do not overcook; check at the lower end of the time range for best texture. Learn more about avoiding overcooking in slow cookers from this overcooking ribs in a slow cooker piece and apply the same idea to chicken.
  • Add a splash of broth if the sauce looks too thick near the end.
  • For more garlic flavor, add a clove or two more.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.

variation (if any)

  • Make it creamy: stir in 1/4–1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
  • Add vegetables: place carrots or potatoes under the chicken so they cook in the juices.
  • Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It is better to use thawed chicken for even cooking. Frozen chicken can cook unevenly and may stay in the danger zone too long.

Q: How can I tell the chicken is done?
A: The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is no longer pink inside. It should shred easily with a fork.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and keep the chicken in a single layer as much as possible. You may need a bit more liquid and extra cooking time if the cooker is very full.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Breast 2026 02 13 101739 1

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

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  • Author: mateo
  • Total Time: 130 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Paleo
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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is easy and hands-off, yielding juicy chicken every time with simple spices and flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 tbsp butter (cubed)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh sprigs)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  3. Add butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 180–240 minutes or HIGH for 90–120 minutes until tender.
  5. Slice or shred chicken and spoon sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Use similar sized chicken breasts for even cooking. Do not overcook; check at the lower end of the time range for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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