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.

overhead sliced crockpot chicken breasts with spice rub on white plate

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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.

seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a crockpot.
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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!

up close crockpot chicken breasts on white platter

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:

5-Star Review

“So juicy! My new favorite way of cooking chicken!” – Nikki

Recipe Card

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

4.53 from 2061 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Becky Hardin
featured crockpot chicken breasts
Learn how to use your crockpot to make chicken breasts for easy weeknight dinners. This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe is easy and perfect as a base for a meal or for meal prepping.
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Ingredients 

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.
    chicken breasts in a slow cooker
  • Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.
    seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a crockpot

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Change the herbs, spices, and seasonings as you please. Just rub them on and let the chicken cook!
Storage: Store leftover Crockpot chicken breasts in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Freeze for 3 months, and defrost before reheating.
Calories: 324kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 48gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 952mgPotassium: 873mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 197IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

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.

chicken breasts in a 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.

seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a crockpot

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.

overhead sliced crockpot chicken breasts with spice rub on white plate
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot

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.

How long do I cook chicken in the crock pot?

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.

What’s the best spice rub for chicken breasts?

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.

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.53 from 2061 votes (1,980 ratings without comment)
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228 Comments
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Janet
Janet
July 12, 2024 9:48 am

Trying new recipes all the time because I’m on Weight Watchers. Thank you because I eat alot of chicken breast and turkey breast

Sarah Dunlap
Sarah Dunlap
July 11, 2024 5:39 pm

I LOVED this recipe, so easy and delicious. Tastes like Rotisserie Chicken. The only reason it isn’t five starts is because you will have to at least double the dry ingredients.4 stars

Donna
Donna
June 25, 2024 7:58 am

Making again today. a 5 star repeat recipe, so easy, so diversatile and so Moist and Delicious !!5 stars

Christine Maguire
Christine Maguire
June 24, 2024 11:19 pm

I made this for my family tonight and they raved about it!! My only recommendation is to increase the dry ingredients by at least double, and I added more chicken broth.5 stars

Kate
Kate
June 12, 2024 2:33 pm

Made this last night and holy cow! It’s like the best rotisserie chicken without all the bones and fuss. Will definitely be making this weekly for lunches!5 stars

Bea
Bea
June 4, 2024 8:45 pm

I followed the recipe exactly. The chicken is DRY even though the there’s plenty of liquid in the pot.2 stars

Samantha Marceau
June 5, 2024 8:28 am
Reply to  Bea

Hi Bea, it sounds like your chicken was overcooked. This can still happen despite having plenty of liquid in the pot. We recommend checking the chicken a bit earlier next time. If you have a thermometer, pull it as soon as it reaches 165°F.

Darnell Fugate
Darnell Fugate
April 22, 2024 12:03 pm

Just made this today and it is so delicious! Only thing I added was 1/2 teaspoon of Emeril’s Original Essence All Purpose Seasining.5 stars

Jen M
Jen M
April 20, 2024 11:40 am

Best general use chicken recipe I’ve had!5 stars

patsy
patsy
April 18, 2024 7:44 pm

My husband has been the cook for 36 yrs of marriage. Due to health issues… now it is ME! This recipe is perfect! Anything Slow Cooked I think I can manage 😉
Looking forward to more successful meals …thank you!5 stars

Shawnna
Shawnna
March 24, 2024 9:51 am

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you for making my week much easier by posting this recipe.5 stars