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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Christina
Christina
July 30, 2022 12:27 pm

I LOVED this chicken. I did add a little dill weed to brighten it up bc I think thyme can be a bit overpowering. It was beautifully flavored. Pleasantly surprised!5 stars

Samantha Marceau
August 1, 2022 9:14 am
Reply to  Christina

So glad you enjoyed it, Christina!

Barbara
Barbara
July 13, 2022 11:14 am

This dish was great. I did add a little more seasoning for our taste.5 stars

Samantha Marceau
July 13, 2022 12:03 pm
Reply to  Barbara

Thanks for stopping by, Barbara!

Diane
Diane
June 25, 2022 10:10 pm

How do I make the Tequila Lime Chicken as you have listed as a suggested way to use these crockpot-cooked chix breasts? The recipe for the tequila lime chix coffers a marinade for grilling raw chic (In a large bowl, mix tequila, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, fiesta lime seasoning blend, pepper, and cilantro. Place the chicken into 2 gallon-sized ziplock bags (2 pieces per bag) and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for 6-8 hours.
After marinating, take the chicken out of the bags (discarding the marinade) and grill on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until chicken is cooked through.
Brush each chicken liberally with the ranch dressing, and top with a slice of cheese. Allow the cheese to melt over the chicken before taking off the grill.

Samantha Marceau
June 27, 2022 9:17 am
Reply to  Diane

Hi Diane, pour the tequila lime marinade over the chicken in the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours.

Diane
Diane
June 28, 2022 7:10 pm

Pour the tequila lime marinade over the chicken IN ADDITION TO above rub-coated ingredients OR INSTEAD OF above ingredients? Thanks for your reply. (I have the breasts for the above recipe cooking in my slow cooker now– they sure do smell good)!!!!!

Samantha Marceau
June 29, 2022 9:02 am
Reply to  Diane

Instead of!

Diane
Diane
June 29, 2022 12:54 pm

Thanks!!!

Julie
Julie
November 8, 2022 4:23 pm
Reply to  Diane

Can you tell me how much of everything for this recipe.

Samantha Marceau
November 9, 2022 9:04 am
Reply to  Julie

Hi, Julie. The amounts are listed on the recipe card above!

Candy Thompson
Candy Thompson
June 24, 2022 10:47 am

I added some extra onion garlic and salt and it is amazing!5 stars

Samantha Marceau
June 24, 2022 11:53 am
Reply to  Candy Thompson

So glad you loved it, Candy!

Amelia
Amelia
June 7, 2022 10:08 am

Can I use 4 4oz chicken breast for this recipe?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 16, 2022 9:44 am
Reply to  Amelia

Yes, just monitor the temp of the meat as it is cooking to make sure it isn’t overdone!

The wellness evolution
The wellness evolution
May 15, 2022 5:05 pm

This is sooo good. Easy and versatile! We added it to nachos and will also probably make some wraps.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
May 16, 2022 3:58 pm

Thanks for sharing!!

Mandi
Mandi
May 6, 2022 6:59 am

WOW! Some of these comments blow my mind, a lot of foolish questions. I made this exactly as written and it came out perfect! Wouldn’t change a thing, thanks so much :)5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
May 9, 2022 9:51 am
Reply to  Mandi

Thanks for sharing your success!

Jessie
Jessie
May 5, 2022 11:29 pm

Since I ran out of chicken breast, I used pork tenderloin and did your recipe. My wife and sons loved the outcome! The smell while cooking in the slow cooker was really good and just got delicious when the water with pork broth was reduced and blended well with the seasoning and olive oil. I love this recipe!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
May 9, 2022 9:52 am
Reply to  Jessie

Thanks for sharing, Jessie!!

Picky eaters
Picky eaters
April 16, 2022 9:27 am

My kids are very picky. They LOVED this chicken! They even came back for seconds! Highly recommend
Thank you for the recipe5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
April 25, 2022 11:38 am
Reply to  Picky eaters

Thanks for sharing!

Katlyn
Katlyn
April 11, 2022 9:23 pm

Have you doubled the recipe before? If so how long extra did you cook it for?5 stars