Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe (2024)

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This Crockpot Chicken Breast is my favorite way to cook chicken that we use all week long. It’s so juicy, flavorful, and easy. Whipping up a batch or two of chicken breasts seasoned with my homemade blend of spices each week makes life so much easier with two young kids. I use this slow cooker chicken for sandwiches, tacos, salads, bowls, and more. I’m so proud that over 1000 home cooks agree and have rated this recipe a 5 star success.

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When I developed this recipe, I instantly knew that it would be something I would make time and time again. Crockpot cooked chicken breast is easy and perfect as a base for lunch, dinner, or for meal prepping.

Table of Contents

Seasoned Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

I make this seasoned slow cooker chicken breast about once a week. My site is known for simple recipes like this, and this is a stand-out favorite. The chicken can be meal prepped for the week in one simple recipe, and used for all different recipes that the family will love.

  • Easy. Just toss in a handful of ingredients, set the cooker, and it’ll come out deliciously juicy!
  • Tasty. I used a mix of onion and garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, and salt and pepper for a simple flavor that works for everyday meals.
  • Versatile. This crockpot chicken makes a great base for a ton of different lunches, dinners or for weekly meal prep.

Variations

While this Crockpot recipe works best with boneless chicken breasts, I’ve also used the same ingredients and instructions to make boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

If you plan to use skin-on or bone-in chicken breast or thighs, the cooking times may change. Make sure to check the internal temperature of any chicken you cook, and be sure it reads 165°F before consuming.

I love how easy it is to switch out all of the herbs and spices to create any flavor my family requests. Some of my kids favorites have been using taco or ranch seasoning in place of the homemade spice blend. They love when I make Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls using this recipe but with Taco Seasoning.

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How to Store and Reheat

I store leftover Crockpot chicken in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. I simply reheat in a pan set over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

After removing the chicken breasts from the Crockpot, let them cool. I store them in freezer-safe, resealable bags or containers, and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can wrap pieces in foil or plastic wrap if you want extra protection from freezer burn. I always let chicken defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and eating.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite thing about this slow cooker chicken recipe is how versatile it is! It makes a healthy and tasty main dish for any dinner or lunch, and pairs well with all kinds of side dishes. I love to serve it with mashed potatoes, creamed green beans, cucumber salad, and Hawaiian rolls.

We also use leftovers to make pulled chicken sandwiches, creamy chicken soup, or chicken fajitas. The possibilities are endless with this amazing chicken breast recipe!

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More Ways to Cook Chicken

I have absolutely loved developing recipes to perfectly cook juicy chicken every time with lots of different methods. After making this one, be sure to try these other easy recipes:

  • Seasoned Chicken Breast
  • Pan Seared Chicken Breast
  • Instant Pot Chicken Breast
  • Fried Chicken
  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Oven Baked Chicken

5-Star Review

“So juicy! My new favorite way of cooking chicken!” – Nikki

Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

4.50 from 1922 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 6 hours hours

Total: 6 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

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Serves4 people

Print Rate

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Learn how to use your crockpot to make chicken breasts for easy weeknight dinners. This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe is easy and perfect as a base for a meal or for meal prepping.

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour the chicken broth in the slow cooker.

    ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • Combine the seasoning in a small dish.

    1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Rub the olive oil and seasoning over the chicken breasts.

    2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

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  • Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.

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Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Change the herbs, spices, and seasonings as you please. Just rub them on and let the chicken cook!

Storage: Store leftover Crockpot chicken breasts in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Freeze for 3 months, and defrost before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 324kcal (16%) Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 48g (96%) Fat: 13g (20%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 7g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 145mg (48%) Sodium: 952mg (41%) Potassium: 873mg (25%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 197IU (4%) Vitamin C: 5mg (6%) Calcium: 18mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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How to Make Crockpot Chicken Breasts Step by Step

Season the Chicken: Pour the ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into your slow cooker. Combine 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder in a small dish. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the seasonings over 4 large chicken breasts, and place them into the slow cooker.

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Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until they reach 165°F internally.

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Slice and Serve: This is where the fun comes in. Slice and seal for the week, using this deliciously juicy chicken for salads, tacos, casseroles, sandwiches, and more. The sky is the limit as to how this simple and deliciously seasoned crockpot chicken can be used throughout the week.

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Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot?

Unfortunately, it’s not best to cook frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker. The temperature of the crock pot doesn’t get high enough fast enough for the bacteria to be killed. It’s best to only use freshly thawed chicken or thaw them in the microwave before adding them to the crockpot.

How long do I cook chicken in the crock pot?

Crockpot chicken cook time will depend on the setting you want your crock pot on. If you are like me, you like to add everything to the crockpot in the morning and let your crockpot cook on low. In this case, it will need to cook for 4 to 6 hours. If you want to wait till later in the day to get your crockpot chicken breasts cooking, you can cook on high for 2 to 4 hours.

What’s the best spice rub for chicken breasts?

You can add/remove ingredients as you see fit but I use salt, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, pepper and garlic powder. Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal preferences.

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Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many hours does it take to cook chicken breast in the crockpot? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

How to cook chicken breasts so they are moist and tender? ›

  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Heat the pan. ...
  3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
  8. Remove lid and take temperature.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in crockpot? ›

Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results. I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early. On high, the chicken turns out drier; I consistently have the best results with low.

Does chicken need to be covered in liquid in crockpot? ›

When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and directions for best results.

Is 30 minutes long enough to cook chicken breast? ›

If you're following a specific recipe, then don't deviate! Otherwise, follow this general formula: Cook large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven. Cook large, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for 35 to 40 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven.

Is 4 hours long enough to slow cook chicken? ›

A great rule of thumb is: For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours.

What is the secret to juicy chicken breast? ›

Consider brining your chicken breasts before baking. Soak them in a solution of salt and water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the chicken retain moisture during the baking process, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast without drying it out? ›

If you're baking it, keep it covered with a baking sheet or with the pan-top for about 80% of the total baking time, uncover it only when the breast is cooked and tender but there's juices in the pan. Once uncovered, the juices will evaporate quickly in the oven, and you'll have a juicy chicken breast to eat.

How do you cook boneless skinless chicken breasts so they don t dry out? ›

Her suggestion: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pan in a single layer, cover with a few inches of liquid (water, broth, etc.), add flavorings (spices, salt, herbs, soy sauce, etc.), then bring the liquid just barely to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the liquid simmers.

Can you overcook chicken breast in a crockpot? ›

Aside from accidentally overcooking the meals, the most common reason we see for tough, rubbery, or overdone chicken is customers using a Crockpot that is far too big. Each of our meals comes with a recommended slow cooker size.

How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crockpot? ›

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove lid and let chicken cool for 10 minutes or so before shredding (so we don't burn ourselves!) Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. The chicken will absorb any liquid in the pot as you shred it.

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot? ›

10 tips to keep your chicken moist when using a slow cooker
  1. Use bone-in chicken pieces for added moisture. ...
  2. Season your chicken with flavorful spices and herbs. ...
  3. Layer vegetables or fruits at the bottom of the slow cooker for extra moisture. ...
  4. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
Nov 7, 2023

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Should you rinse chicken before putting in crockpot? ›

However, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination.

Does chicken dry out in the crockpot? ›

To set it and forget it and go to work. And then choose chicken breasts. A lean protein cooked for six plus hours at the temperatures a crock pot uses is going to dry out. The collagen, the gelatin, the fat, all the stuff not in a chicken breast, is going to be driven out.

Is 10 hours too long for chicken in slow cooker? ›

Typically, a whole chicken should cook on 'Low' temperature for 7-8 hours (without opening the lid during the cook time). You will be able to tell that the chicken is done when the drumsticks begin to separate from the breast and the juices run clear.

What happens if you leave chicken in slow cooker too long? ›

Mushy, mealy, stringy chicken, which is sometimes the result of cooking low and slow for an extended period of time. I've learned this the hard way, after many attempts at cooking chicken in the crockpot on a workday, for 8 plus hours at a time.

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