Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
This Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken breasts cooked low and slow to perfection. Infused with simple spices and chicken broth, it’s an effortless and healthy meal option that stays moist and delicious. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time and is versatile for serving with your favorite sides.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours (slow cooker on low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or thyme)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps in better seasoning and searing.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and locks in juices but can be skipped if desired.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour chicken broth (or water) around the breasts. This liquid keeps chicken moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook to avoid dry chicken; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Searing is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter flavor.
- Leftover chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Use leftover chicken in salads, sandwiches, or casseroles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, juicy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, crockpot chicken, simple dinner