Tired of dry, rubbery chicken? You’ve come to the right place. This foolproof crockpot chicken breast recipe is the simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution you’ve been searching for. It delivers perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every single time.
Forget complicated steps or babysitting a pan. The slow cooker does all the work, gently cooking the chicken to perfection. It’s the ultimate secret weapon for easy weeknight dinners and effortless meal prep.
Whether you want sliced chicken for salads, shredded chicken for tacos, or a simple protein to serve with your favorite sides, this recipe is your new go-to. Let’s make some amazing chicken!
Why This is the Best Way to Cook Chicken Breast in a Crockpot
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a method that guarantees success. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
Perfectly Juicy & Tender: Our method, focused on low and slow cooking with the right amount of liquid, locks in moisture and prevents the dreaded dry-out.
Incredibly Versatile: This chicken is a blank canvas! Use it for sandwiches, tacos, salads, pasta dishes like our creamy crockpot chicken alfredo (coming soon), or simply serve it as a main course.
Effortless Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and have healthy, ready-to-go protein for the entire week. It’s a game-changer for busy schedules.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need a handful of pantry-staple seasonings to create chicken that’s packed with savory flavor.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. No fancy ingredients are required, just a few basics to make the chicken shine.
All you need for the juiciest crockpot chicken.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Look for breasts that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking. About 1.5 to 2 pounds is perfect for a standard slow cooker.
Chicken Broth: This is key to keeping the chicken moist. Low-sodium is a great choice so you can control the saltiness.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and adds a touch of richness.
Seasoning Blend: We use a simple, savory mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. It’s delicious and goes with everything!
How to Make the Juiciest Crockpot Chicken Breast
FL Recipes
Crockpot Chicken Breast: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Tender Results
This foolproof crockpot chicken breast recipe is the simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution you need. It delivers perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every single time, making it ideal for easy dinners and meal prep.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub them all over with olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Cooking times vary, so start checking early. The chicken is done when it's cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps lock in the juices. Serve as desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 195kcalProtein: 35gFat: 6g
Notes
Do Not Overcook: This is the most common mistake. Use a meat thermometer for best results to ensure the chicken is exactly 165°F. Resting is Key: Don't skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in much moister chicken. For Shredding: If you plan to shred the chicken, you can do it easily with two forks right after the resting period. For even easier shredding, use a hand mixer directly in the crockpot (after draining most of the liquid).
Keyword crockpot chicken,shredded chicken,slow cooker chicken breast
The difference between good and great crockpot chicken breast is in the details. Follow these simple but crucial tips for foolproof results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
For the most even cooking, arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. If they’re piled on top of each other, they will cook unevenly, and you risk some pieces being undercooked while others are overcooked.
The Importance of Liquid
Some recipes suggest cooking chicken with no liquid, but this is a fast track to dry results. A small amount of liquid, like the chicken broth in this recipe, creates a steamy environment that gently poaches the chicken, keeping it incredibly moist.
Cook on LOW for Best Results
I know it’s tempting to use the HIGH setting to speed things up, but patience is your friend here. Cooking on LOW allows the chicken to cook gently and evenly, breaking down the muscle fibers without squeezing out all the moisture. Cooking on HIGH can lead to a tougher, stringier texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer!
This is the single most important tip. The exact cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your slow cooker. The only way to know for sure that your chicken is done—but not overdone—is to check its internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Flavor Variations to Try
This base recipe is fantastic, but it’s also easy to customize. Try these simple swaps to the seasoning blend for a whole new meal!
Taco-Spiced Chicken: Swap the seasonings for 2 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Italian Herb Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning to the spice blend. Fantastic for pasta, salads, or sandwiches.
BBQ Shredded Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot and stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Let it warm through for 15-20 minutes. Check out our amazing crockpot pulled pork for another BBQ favorite!
Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the crockpot.
Effortlessly shredded and perfectly moist chicken.
Serving Suggestions & What to Make
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use this versatile crockpot chicken breast:
On Salads: Slice or shred the chicken and add it to your favorite green salad for a healthy protein boost.
In Sandwiches & Wraps: Pile shredded chicken onto a bun with BBQ sauce or mix it with mayo for a classic chicken salad sandwich.
For Tacos & Burrito Bowls: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as the star of a loaded burrito bowl.
Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve sliced chicken breast over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa with a side of steamed vegetables for a simple, balanced meal.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This chicken is perfect for making ahead. Here’s how to store it properly to maintain its delicious texture.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it extra moist, store it with some of the cooking juices from the crockpot.
Freezing for Later
This chicken freezes beautifully! Once cooled, you can slice or shred it. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Storing it with a bit of the cooking liquid can help prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
It’s not recommended by the USDA to cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker. The slow heating time can allow the chicken to stay in the ‘danger zone’ (40-140°F) for too long, which can promote harmful bacteria growth. It’s safest to thaw chicken completely before cooking.
For the most tender results, cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on HIGH for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. However, cooking on LOW is highly recommended to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. The exact time depends on breast size, so always use a meat thermometer.
Yes, for the best results, you should add a small amount of liquid like chicken broth or water (about 1/2 cup). This creates steam inside the crockpot, which helps to cook the chicken gently and keeps it incredibly moist.
The only way to know for sure is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked and ready when the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). This prevents both undercooking and overcooking.
After letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, you can easily shred it with two forks. For a faster method, place the cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed. You can also use a hand mixer directly in the crockpot (after draining most of the liquid).
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and a comment below to let us know how your crockpot chicken breast turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it on Pinterest for later!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
