There’s nothing better than letting your slow cooker do all the work while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. These slow cooker chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to meal prep Sundays. Just a handful of ingredients, one cozy pot, and you’re set.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of low effort, high reward. You toss everything into the crockpot and come back hours later to perfectly cooked chicken that’s ready for slicing, shredding, or serving whole. It’s one of those meals that works with nearly any side and always leaves you with happy plates.
Even better, it’s wildly versatile. You can season it any way you like or double the batch for leftovers. These chicken breasts stay moist, never dry out, and reheat beautifully. They’re ideal for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or tossing into pasta.
Want something with even more cozy vibes? Try our crockpot chicken tortellini next it’s creamy, satisfying, and always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken broth or water
That’s it! You can keep it classic or switch up the spices. This chicken plays well with smoky BBQ, lemon pepper, or taco seasoning too.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and rubbing them with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the seasonings stick and locks in moisture.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub that flavorful blend all over the chicken.
Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour in about a half cup of chicken broth to keep things juicy and tender. You don’t need to submerge the chicken just enough to create a little steamy environment.
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally. Once it’s ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
If you’ve got leftovers, toss them into cheesy garlic chicken wraps for an easy next-day lunch.
Ways to Serve It
This chicken is basically a meal chameleon. Serve it whole with roasted veggies, slice it over salads, or shred it for sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls.
It’s also delicious spooned over buttery garlic mashed potatoes or stuffed into a soft bun with slaw for a simple pulled chicken sandwich.
For a family-friendly dinner, add your favorite veggie side and some warm bread to round things out.
Tips for Juicy Chicken Every Time
Don’t overcook it check for doneness around the 3-hour mark
Always rest your chicken for 5 minutes before slicing
Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy
Season generously so every bite is flavorful
Shred while it’s still warm if you’re planning to store or freeze
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts
Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months
Pro tip: portion it out before freezing so you can pull out exactly what you need later
FAQ
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety. If starting from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first.
How can I tell when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when the internal temp hits 165°F at the thickest point.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes! Just adjust the cook time slightly bone-in chicken usually takes a bit longer to cook through.
Let’s Eat
These slow cooker chicken breasts are the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel easy, comforting, and fuss-free. Whether you serve them fresh or save them for later, they’re always tender and ready to star in whatever meal you’re craving.
Try it tonight, then check out our garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy garlic chicken wraps for delicious pairings. And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more cozy kitchen inspiration.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Slow cooker 6-quart recommended
- Meat thermometer for checking doneness
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil or melted butter to help the seasoning stick.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture evenly over chicken.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve as desired or store for later.