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
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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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Joyce W. Chapman says
I tried this recipe. It was fantastic.
Thanks for the recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
thank you Joyce!
Rebecca says
This was my first ever time using the slow cooker. The results were delicious and so tender! And I can’t eat dairy so I used vegan butter and it tasted so good still.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Rebecca! I’m glad you liked it!
George says
Would you recommend the same cooking time for fresh chicken breasts or thighs?
Ashley Fehr says
If they are boneless breasts and boneless thighs, then I usually cook them about the same
Katie says
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try this one out.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Katie!
wilhelmina says
Love this juicy and delicious chicken! I like to make a big batch so that I can use the leftovers in recipes later in the week!
Ashley Fehr says
we do the same thing!
Jen says
This works beautifully! Such an easy way to make chicken without having to do any work. It come out perfect and juicy every time.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jen!
Hamid says
i used the recipe with 2 chicken breasts weighing 1.5 pounds total. i cooked on low for 3 hours. the center was white when i cut in but along the edges i could see a little bit of pink, these were larger breasts so i’m not sure if 3 hours cooked it enough? i don’t know anything about cooking, i’m going to get a meat thermometer for when i try again. in the end i put the chicken in a pot on the stove with some chicken broth and let it cook some more, was getting a little paranoid and didn’t want to get food poisoning
Ashley Fehr says
The center will take the longest to cook, so I wouldn’t be worried about coloring along the edges. It is definitely safer to go by temperature instead of color!
Nadia says
When my four year old son says, “More please!”, it’s definitely going down as one of my favorites. Easy recipe to follow. Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Nadia! I’m so glad!
mrknifenut@yahoo.com says
Wow is all I can say! I am new to using a crock pot & doing a Google search popped up your recipe 1st. I went to the store & bought all the ingredients & used a 5qt slow cooker. You were right, it does cook a little faster. I didn’t let it go the full 3hrs, maybe 2:45 & it still was a little extra done. Meat thermometer had it over 190°, whoops! But it had amazing taste & I could still cut it easily with a fork. I paired it with some Spanish rice & it was delicious! I can’t wait to try out your other recommendations! Thank you.
Adam S.
Ashley Fehr says
thank you Adam! I’m so glad it turned out well for you!
Therese says
I have a multi-purpose appliance that includes slow cooker. But it does not have the low option. Instructions say that the slow cooker is at high setting. Have you ever cooked this at high setting in slow cooker?
Ashley Fehr says
I don’t usually recommend cooking at high because it tends to overcook. You could try it, but I would recommend cooking for 1-2 hours.
Melissa says
Your slow cooker shredded chicken recipe cooks the chicken on low for 6 hours. Why does this one only cook for 3 hours on low.
Ashley Fehr says
Generally when I’m cooking chicken to shred I cook it longer so it is falling apart. This recipe is still just as juicy and you could likely shred it after 3 hours.
Linda S. says
Waiting for it to finish cooking in the crock pot. Anticipation!!! I used 6 thighs instead of chicken breasts. Will let you know how it turns out!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Linda!
Lisa Clark says
This seems too simple to be this wonderful! I have used this recipe 3 times in 2 weeks. The chicken is wonderful as a main entree because it is so moist and flavorful, and Ihave also used it for recipes that call for cooked chicken. It takes those recipes to the next level. I am generous with the spices and lat time threw in some basil and oregano too. Thank you, thank you!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much Lisa! I’m glad you’re loving it!
Kim says
Coming from a Italian family, I am always skeptical of online recipes Because nothing comes close to even tasting As good. I was hesitant to try this one, especially with basic ingredients inside a slow cooker. But all I can say is WOW!
I didn’t have parsley and used Thyme instead but wow, this chicken is juicy and delicious even the next day!
I doubled the spice ingredients just because I didn’t want to make more if I fell short and i laid the chicken on top of the spices, but not as heavy as breading cutlets. This is my go to chicken recipe now!
Ashley Fehr says
thank you Kim! That means a lot to me!
Kerrie says
I’m going to try this recipe but with 6 breasts. How long do you suggest cooking?
Ashley Fehr says
It will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the size of your chicken breasts. The cook time won’t change considerably unless your crockpot is very full, and then it may take a little longer but probably not more than 4 hours.
Viv says
Why didn’t I believe you when you said three hours on low?? 🙂 I kept them in longer and yep, dry. When I made this again (following the directions this time) it was perfect! I use this chicken as a base in lots of dinners. Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much Viv! I’m so happy it turned out the second time!
Sandra Francis says
Is this for each chicken breast the ingredients because it was only enough for one chicken breast and I had to mix the dry ingredients 3 more times for the other 3 chicken breasts
Ashley Fehr says
It is for all. Not every breast needs to be entirely coated to get good flavor.
Patti says
I’m going to try this today with 2 large breasts, potatoes, carrots and celery. . What do you think??
Ashley Fehr says
That’d be great! Potatoes and carrots may take longer to cook than chicken breast, so I would recommend cutting small.
Jessica says
I haven’t tried this yet, but if I wanted more flavor, should I just double the spices?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, you can do that, or add in additional seasonings if you prefer.
holly says
How long would you slow cook just 2 chicken breasts?
Ashley Fehr says
probably about the same, you could check them at two hours on low
Rosita says
I made 4 chicken breasts in a 4 quart slow cooker. Followed the recipe exactly. 3 hours on the dot and the chicken was perfect, juicy and not overcooked. I will use it to make chicken salad. So happy I found this recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that Rosita!