Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing that tugs at my heartstrings quite like a tender, flavorful chicken dish that practically makes itself. This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without fussing in the kitchen for hours. The secret? A handful of simple ingredients packed with flavor, all simmered together to create a dish so delightful, it’ll feel like you’ve ordered takeout from your favorite restaurant.

Why you’ll love this recipe

First off, this recipe is the epitome of simplicity. If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a meal that doesn’t require a culinary degree to whip up, and this slow cooker chicken breast is exactly that. Imagine coming home after a long day to the sweet aroma of garlic and herbs filling your home. It’s like getting a warm hug from your kitchen! The beauty of slow cooking is that the chicken becomes unbelievably tender, almost shreddable, thanks to the low and slow method.

Moreover, this dish is ridiculously versatile. You can pair it with fluffy rice, kale salad, or toss it atop some pasta. The flavor profile—thanks to the garlic, Italian seasoning, and a zesty splash of lemon juice—offers a refreshing twist that elevates what might otherwise be a mundane chicken breast to something truly special. Plus, it’s an excellent meal prep option, making it perfect for your busy routine.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need—this list is short, sweet, and simple.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the heart of the dish. Look for fresh, well-trimmed pieces as they’ll retain moisture and flavor better during cooking.

• 1 tsp salt: A pinch of magic that enhances all other flavors. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• 0.5 tsp black pepper: Just the right amount of kick here—black pepper brings depth but won’t overwhelm your palate.

• 1 tsp garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? This adds an earthy warmth to the dish.

• 1 tsp onion powder: It’s the unsung hero here, adding sweetness and complexity without the need for fresh onions.

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend that’s aromatic and familiar, it rounds out our flavor palette beautifully.

• 4 tbsp butter (cubed): Butter is your best friend. It melds with the broth to create the most heavenly sauce!

• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is indispensable. It infuses every bite with wonderful flavor and aroma.

• 0.5 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness; you can use low-sodium if you’re keeping an eye on salt.

• 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish.

• 1 tsp thyme: Dried or fresh, thyme brings an aromatic note that complements the chicken perfectly.

The cooking process explained

Now that you have everything ready, let’s talk about how to effortlessly bring this dish to life!

1. Seasoning the chicken: Start by giving your chicken breasts a good sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Massage it into the meat. Seriously, put some love into it; this is where the flavor begins!

2. Layering in the slow cooker: Place those beautifully seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s like a cozy bed for your chicken to cook in.

3. Adding the magic ingredients: Toss in the cubed butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme. Don’t skimp on this part; that sauce is going to be liquid gold!

4. Time to cook: Cover it up. Now, you can choose to cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with tender, juicy chicken.

5. Final touches: Once done, slice or shred the chicken right in its lovely sauce. This way, every bite is flavored to perfection—get ready for compliments!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how should we serve this masterpiece? First and foremost, it’s imperative to spoon that warm, buttery sauce over the chicken—trust me, it’s the best part! Serve it alongside a fluffy mound of rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the luscious sauce.

Feeling adventurous? Try placing it atop a bed of greens with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Or even shred it and pile it high on a crusty baguette for an easy but delightful sandwich. Keep it simple or jazz it up; the choice is yours!

Keeping leftovers fresh

You might be wondering about storage once your friends and family have gone home. No worries, this dish keeps like a champ.

• Storing: Let your chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for 3–4 days.

• Freezing: If you’re thinking ahead, freeze it! Just portion it and store in freezer bags or containers. It’ll be good for about 4–6 months, so you can always have a delicious meal ready at a moment’s notice.

Helpful cooking tips

To elevate this recipe further, don’t be afraid to add your own special touch! For example, if you love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Also, consider marinating your chicken in the seasonings and lemon juice overnight. The next day, pop it straight in the slow cooker for an extra flavor punch.

Creative Twists

If you’re looking to spice this up, think about flavor swaps! Instead of Italian seasoning, try taco seasoning for a fun fiesta twist. Or, swap out the lemon juice for lime and add some cumin for a fresh Mexican flair. Really, the sky’s the limit!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 tbsp butter (cubed)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh sprigs)

Directions to follow

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Add butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
5. Slice or shred chicken and spoon sauce over the top before serving.

Your questions answered

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time.
• What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can adapt this recipe for the oven by cooking it covered at about 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
• How can I make it healthier? Use less butter or substitute with olive oil, and serve it with a mountain of veggies.
• Is this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It’s even better the next day, once the flavors marry in the fridge—perfect for meal prep!

Slow cooking has a unique way of bringing flavors together, making everything feel a little more special. So, why not give this recipe a try? I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments—let’s inspire each other to keep cooking deliciously!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Gluten Free High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 25 mins Total Time 14 hrs 25 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 300

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe for chicken breasts that makes for a comforting and versatile meal. Effortlessly prepared, it's perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Main Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Look for fresh, well-trimmed pieces.)
• 1 tsp salt (Adjust based on taste preferences.)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (Provides depth to the flavor.)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (Adds earthy warmth.)
• 1 tsp onion powder (Adds sweetness and complexity.)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Aromatic and familiar flavor.)
• 4 tbsp butter, cubed (Melts into a heavenly sauce.)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Infuses flavor into the dish.)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth (Adds moisture and richness.)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (Adds brightness to the dish.)
• 1 tsp thyme (Fresh or dried, brings aromatic notes.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Seasoning the chicken

   Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Massage into the meat.
   Mark as complete

2. Layering in the slow cooker

   Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
   Mark as complete

3. Adding the magic ingredients

   Add cubed butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
   Mark as complete

4. Cooking

   Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours until the chicken is tender.
   Mark as complete

5. Final touches

   Slice or shred the chicken and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 2g1%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 0g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin C 2 mg

Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 4-6 months.

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken breast, easy recipe, comfort food