When life gets busy, nothing beats the ease of slow cooker chicken breast—a recipe that guarantees tender, juicy chicken with almost no effort. Forget about dry or flavorless poultry; this method locks in moisture while infusing every bite with savory spices and buttery richness. With just a few pantry staples and your slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a versatile protein perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or effortless entertaining.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Hands-Off – Just season, set, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Juicy & Tender – Unlike dry stovetop versions, this method guarantees moist chicken every time.
- Simple Pantry Staples – Made with everyday spices, broth, and butter.
- Versatile Meal Base – Perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as the main dish.
- Family-Friendly Comfort – A dish that feels both nourishing and satisfying, ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
What makes this version stand out is the balance of seasoning and slow cooking at the right temperature, delivering chicken that’s never bland and always fork-tender.
Ingredients Needed
For the seasoning mix:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For cooking:
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (adds moisture and flavor)
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small cubes (for richness and flavor)
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
1. Prepare the seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the salt, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. This spice blend creates a balanced flavor profile that enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
2. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece.
3. Set up the slow cooker
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. This liquid prevents sticking and keeps the chicken moist. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top.
4. Add butter for flavor
Scatter the butter pieces evenly over the chicken. As it melts, it will baste the meat and add richness.
5. Cook low and slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for about 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking low and slow is the key to tenderness.
6. Rest before slicing
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes—this allows juices to redistribute, ensuring clean slices and maximum moisture.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving ideas: Slice over salads, shred for tacos or sandwiches, or serve alongside roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying.
- Freezing: Wrap portions individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Prefer a smoky touch? Use smoked paprika instead of regular.
- If using frozen chicken, thaw fully before cooking to ensure even doneness.
- For shredded chicken, cook an additional 30–45 minutes until it pulls apart easily with two forks.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix salt, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
- Step 2: Pat chicken dry and rub seasoning evenly on both sides.
- Step 3: Pour broth into slow cooker. Arrange chicken breasts on top.
- Step 4: Scatter butter cubes over chicken.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: Rest chicken 10 minutes under foil before slicing or serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver. With just a handful of spices, a splash of broth, and a little patience, you get juicy, tender chicken that’s endlessly versatile. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and simple enough for busy days.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating—I’d love to know how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can enjoy it.
👉 What’s your favorite way to use slow cooker chicken—shredded for sandwiches, or served whole with sides? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully. Just note they may need an extra 30 minutes of cooking time for best texture.
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Cooked chicken breasts freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in airtight freezer bags for easy meal prep.
Why is my chicken dry?
If the chicken turns out dry, it’s likely overcooked. Always check with a meat thermometer and stop cooking once the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Cooking on HIGH may cause the chicken to dry out. For best results, stick to LOW and slow.