This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe comes out perfectly juicy and seasoned every time! Learn my tips for getting the best crockpot chicken breast, perfect for salads, sandwiches or an easy dinner.
I KNOW.
Boring, right??
Except, perfect slow cooker chicken breast isn’t boring at all.
This chicken is so flavorful, and so juicy, with just a few ingredients (and one secret ingredient!).
I will admit, I have made plenty of dry, overcooked, unpalatable boneless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. I’m not proud of it, but we all do it every now and then, am I right??
I wanted to come up with a foolproof way to make great crockpot chicken breast — that is big on flavor (but still versatile enough to use it a variety of different ways or add your own sauce at the end), and ridiculously juicy.
Naturally, I started with this Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe as my base, since so many of you have already loved it (check out this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken if that’s more your style!), but I made a couple swaps and additions for an extra little boost of flavor.
This slow cooker chicken recipe is perfect just on its own, with a side of rice or noodles or a big salad if that’s your thing, but if you’ve got leftovers?
Throw them in this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti the next day, or swap the ground beef for chicken in this Rigatoni Pasta Bake.
How to make perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breast:
- Choose good quality chicken. I’m not saying it has to be expensive (I buy my chicken breasts frozen when they’re on sale!), but overtime I’ve noticed that there can be a real difference in quality from one box of chicken breasts to the next. Find a kind you’re happy with it and stick with it.
- Not too full or too empty: I use this 2.5 quart crockpot for, honestly? Almost everything these days. It’s the perfect size for 4 or 6 chicken breasts. I’ve found if I cook just a couple chicken breasts in a larger crockpot, it cooks more quickly and is more prone to overcooking. When you have your slow cooker at least half full, it gives the chicken a little “insulation” and prevents it from cooking too quickly.
- To sear or not to sear. I tried both ways because I like to know what I’m talking about when I’m giving you the most delicious slow cooker chicken breast you’ve ever had. What I found was not a lot of difference between the two. If you want to sear it beforehand, go ahead, if you’re frazzled enough as it is and want to dump and go, do that.
- Butter (my secret ingredient that makes all the difference). Or margarine. Another moment of honesty — I use margarine a lot. I just don’t hate it. Chicken thighs are known to have much better flavor and juiciness than breasts, and it’s because they have 3x the amount of fat. I figured if I added just a little bit of fat into the slow cooker, I could give my chicken breasts some of that some fat love. (SPOILER: it works. It’s delicious, and not even drowning in half a cup).
- Don’t overcook. If you want a longer cook time, try filling your slow cooker more than half full, as this slows down the cooking process some.
Tips for making frozen chicken in the crockpot:
Here’s the truth:
I woke up one morning, the morning I wanted to start testing this slow cooker chicken breast, with my chicken breasts still rock solid in the freezer because I, like many parents of 3 kids 6 and under, had forgotten to take them out.
Rather than cooking frozen chicken in the crockpot, I placed my chicken breasts in a large freezer bag, sealed it tight, and covered them with cool water (think perfectly not cold or not warm), and let them sit about 20 minutes. Flip, and let sit another 20 minutes. Perfectly thawed.
I threw them in the slow cooker and away I went.
It’s not that you can’t cook frozen chicken in the crockpot — it’s just that I knew they would cook more evenly and probably be better if I didn’t.
Now, I’ve cooked frozen chicken breasts plenty of times (remember that I used to work outside of the house and be gone for 8+ hours a day), and they’ve been just fine.
They will release more moisture and cook a little less evenly, but the world will (probably) not end.
Variations on this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast:
- Toss in a package of taco seasoning for slow cooker chicken tacos!
- Brush with barbecue sauce once they’re done cooking, before serving.
- Brush with pretty much any of your favorite sauces, and there you go — the easiest dinner you never had to babysit!
- Jazz things up and try this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken!
More crockpot chicken breast recipes:
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe
- Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
- Crockpot Orange Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken Wings
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, parsley, garlic, pepper, onion powder and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken.
- Add chicken broth and butter to slow cooker, and stir to combine (mash the butter up a bit to disperse if you can).
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker, overlapping only as much as necessary.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.
- If you’re hoping for clean slices, remove to a cutting board and cover to keep warm. Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
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Ian Burton says
So I have always been told high for 4 hrs or low for 6 w chicken.. I’m not questioning you because you obviously know more than me:) but when I do 4 hrs on high it always turns out perfect. Should I go lower for this?
Ashley Fehr says
My problem with chicken breasts in the slow cooker has always been that they are overcooked, so I like to cook them just long enough that they are cooked through but still juicy and moist. You can likely get away with a little longer, but the longer you cook past the point of 165 degrees the higher the risk that they may be dry. It also will depend a bit on the size of your chicken breasts and if your slow cooker is on the hot side or cool side.
Sara says
HI! Can you shread the chicken once its done or will it not turn out as well?
Ashley Fehr says
You definitely can!
Jazmom says
How long would you suggest cooking if youre only using teo chicken breasts? Thanks excited to make this!
Ashley Fehr says
You may find they are done more quickly as a fuller slow cooker takes longer to cook. I would check them around 1.5-2 hours with a meat thermometer! Let me know how it goes!
Debra says
Hi can I do this on the stove in a Dutch oven type of pot
Ashley Fehr says
You definitely can! You’ll want to simmer it on low-medium heat just until it reaches 165 degrees F
T M-L says
Love that this recipe is so simple. Chicken in the crockpot now! My crockpot only has 4hrs and 6 hrs high or 8 hrs and 10 hrs low. Since this recipe calls for 3 hrs LOW, I set mine on 8 hrs low and set a timer on my echo dot to check at 3 hrs. But what suggestion do you have if someone has these same settings, but will not be home?
Chris Fellows says
Suggest you purchase a plug-in power supply timer and set to switch off after 3 hours.
JoAnne says
Thank you SO much! Cooked chicken for salads without running the oven on a hot day. So much flavor, tender and juicy. Made the chicken salad even better!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks JoAnne! It makes my day to hear that!
Sara Crespo says
Do you think I can make this with beer? Or water? Juice?
I don’t have any Broth!!!
JoAnne says
I actually used water – same situation – and melted the butter. Came out great!!!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, you can definitely use other liquids! You just have to remember that it will taste like whatever you use 🙂
Megan says
Hello! I love this recipe. I have to double it because I’m having a party. Do you suggest that I cook the chicken for longer?
Ashley Fehr says
You shouldn’t need to cook it much longer, but if your slow cooker is very full it may take a little more time. Maybe 4 hours?
lainey says
Dear Ashley
Thank you for this recipe. I’ve made it 3x. its a life saver! BUT I just realized i’ve been cooking it on HIGH!!!! but still 3 hours. i’m so confused. should i try it on low for 3 hours?
Ashley Fehr says
I usually do 3 hours on low, but 3 hours on high could be fine depending on the size of your chicken breasts! I would try 3 hours on low and then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer
Lynn Margaret says
Hi! Can you tell me about how much your chicken breasts weigh? I have three breasts that weigh 3.5 pounds and want to know if I need to adjust the spice and butter amounts. Thanks! Excited to try this tonight!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry it took me a couple days to respond! My chicken breasts are usually an average of 9-10 ounces or 270 grams.
Carrie says
Can you add more broth and aeasonongs and butter. I just rubbed the ingredients on the chicken and seemed very light? Its already in the crockpot and want to make sure its still flavorful
Ashley Fehr says
It will still be very flavorful 🙂
Marcia says
Did you mean …..3 hours on HIGH?? That doesn’t seem long enough on low, plus your other similar crockpot chicken recipe says 3 hours on high or 6-7 on low.
Ashley Fehr says
It is 3 hours on low. A fuller crockpot with more items (vegetables, especially potatoes), will take longer to cook, and vegetables definitely take longer than chicken. I hope you give it a try!
Stephanie Nasi says
My crock pot only allows 4-6 on high or 6-8 on low. Any suggestions??
Ashley Fehr says
I would do 4 hours on low, and if you’re around I would check it at 3 hours. If it goes the full 4 hours it will still be fine.
Erika says
Guess what we’re having for dinner tonight! From a mom with household of a 7 year old, 5 year old and 4 year old! Thank you! ?
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Erika! I hope it’s a hit with everyone!
Heather says
Can you put potatoes in this? Or do you have to add more ingredients?
Ashley F says
You can add potatoes but you’d have to cook quite a bit longer, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Jenny Elliott says
This is just the best chicken. My 4 and 6 year old picky Grandkids loved it! I am from the south and we just love butter but I had never thought to use it like that with crockpot chicken. YUMMY! Thanks so much!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jenny! It definitely adds an extra special touch and lots of moisture!
Alexandria says
I got ‘er in the crock pot right now as I type. Love your content, and I’m excited to taste this!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Alexandria! Let me know how it goes!
Tabitha says
Can thin sliced chicken breasts be used instead? Or would that not turn out as well…? That’s all I have on hand. Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
You can definitely use sliced chicken breasts, you will probably just want to reduce the cook time a bit so they’re not overcooked. Let me know how it goes!
Sara Welch says
I love when I can put my slow cooker to work to make a great looking meal! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sara!
Taylor says
The easiest way to make chicken! So moist and flavorful!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Taylor! We love it too!
Aimee Shugarman says
This chicken is perfection. Thank you!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Aimee!
Tanya Schroeder says
This recipe is so easy and that chicken can be used in so many ways!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Tanya! We love how versatile it is!