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.
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.
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!
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
Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.
Video
Becky’s Tips
- Change the herbs, spices, and seasonings as you please. Just rub them on and let the chicken cook!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Delicious!
Do you know the nutritional value for this recipe? Just making for the first time now.
Hi Debbie, all nutritional info is at the bottom of the recipe card!
I love this chicken recipe. I have been looking for new ways to cook chicken and I never thought about my crock pot. I have been cooking chicken in the oven all the time with long prep. recipes. Since they took so long, I never cooked chicken very much. I now have this recipe and have made it twice in a week and a half. My Husband loves it. I will continue to make this at least once a week. It is nice to have new recipes and not cook the same thing over and over. I am a goo
Excellent! I cook a batch a week now. Thank you. Over the holidays I cooked up 9 breasts in same amount time. I tripled the rub and used 1 cup of stock.
***This recipe only takes 40 minutes in a crockpot with a temp at 200 degrees. ***
Can I start with frozen chicken?
We recommend thawing chicken before cooking it in the crockpot!
I want to make this recipe but during the week when I leave for work I’m gone about 8 hours or more. Is it possible to put this recipe together and set it for 8 hours or do you think it would dry pit the chicken
Hi Leesa, we’ve never tried letting the chicken go for that long but suspect it would probably turn out dry!
Just get yourself a smart plug or timer plug!
Interesting I’ll check into that
Doesn’t work with a digital crockpot.
At 200 degrees, this recipe was done (chicken internal temp to 165+) in 40 minutes. I used my 6 qt nesco roaster.
I love this recipe and make it every Sunday and turn it into chicken salad for the week. I add Mayo and celery, all the other flavors make this excellent. I’ve been providing samples to coworkers. They love it too!
We’re so happy to hear this recipe is a hit, Michelle!
Can I use think chicken breasts? and can i put in 8 chicken breasts?
Hi John, we don’t recommend using thin-cut chicken breasts, as they will overcook in the crockpot! The total number of chicken breasts you can fit depends on the size of your crockpot, but we don’t recommend stacking them, as this can cause them to cook unevenly.
Your Crock-Pot could be broken, I had one that would constantly boil off all liquid. I reached out to crock pot and they said it sounded like it’s heating element is broken