Crockpot Chicken Breast – Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Breast is an easy way to make tender, juicy chicken with very little hands-on time. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, the chicken slowly cooks with olive oil and chicken or vegetable stock, making it flavorful and versatile.

I love making this slow cooker chicken breast on busy weekdays because there is very little prep involved. Once the chicken is in the crockpot, you can let it cook while you take care of other things. It is also great for meal prep since you can serve the chicken whole, slice it for salads and bowls, or shred it for wraps, sandwiches, and quick lunches.

This recipe is also high in protein and easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a simple, healthy option for an easy weeknight dinner or for preparing protein ahead of time for meals throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The prep takes only about 10 minutes.
• Tender and flavorful: Simple herbs and spices give the chicken plenty of flavor.
• Great for meal prep: Cook a batch and use it in different meals throughout the week.
• Versatile: Serve the chicken whole or shred it for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls.
• Everyday ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients.
• Hands-off cooking: Once everything is in the crockpot, the slow cooker does the work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this juicy Crockpot Chicken Breast.

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cutting them in half lengthwise helps them cook more evenly.
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the seasonings coat the chicken.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
• Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herb flavor that pairs well with chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavor of the chicken.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds moisture and flavor while the chicken cooks.

How to make crockpot chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise for more even cooking and to better absorb seasoning.

Next, generously season both sides of the chicken with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano. For even coating, rub the seasoning into the chicken with your hands.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into your crockpot. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to enhance the flavor and keep it moist during cooking.

Pour vegetable or chicken stock over the chicken, ensuring it’s partially submerged. This helps infuse flavor and prevents drying out.

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 3 ½ hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this can release heat and increase cooking time.

Once done, decide how you’d like to serve the chicken. You can keep the breasts whole for serving alongside sides, or shred the chicken using two forks. If shredding, pour the flavorful stock over the chicken to keep it juicy and enhance its taste.

Finally, serve the chicken in a way that suits your meal, over a fresh salad, inside wraps or buns, or paired with rice, bulgur, pasta, or quinoa. 

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Breast

• Cut the chicken evenly: Cutting thick chicken breasts in half lengthwise helps them cook more evenly.
• Don’t overcook: Chicken breast is lean and can become dry if cooked too long. Check the thickest piece with a meat thermometer and remove it when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Keep the lid closed: Avoid opening the slow cooker during cooking, as this lets heat escape and can increase the cooking time.
• Save the cooking juices: Spoon some of the flavorful juices over the chicken before serving, or mix them into shredded chicken to keep it moist.

How to Store Crockpot Chicken Breast

Let the cooked chicken cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For meal prep, you can keep the chicken whole or shred it before storing. Keep some of the cooking juices with the chicken to help prevent it from drying out when reheated.

Can You Freeze Crockpot Chicken Breast?

Yes. Crockpot chicken breast freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.

For best results, shred or slice the chicken and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Add a little of the cooking juices before freezing to help keep the chicken moist.

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently until hot.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to use this slow cooker chicken breast. Serve it:

• With rice, quinoa, or bulgur
• Alongside roasted or steamed vegetables
• Over a fresh green salad
• In wraps or sandwiches
• In grain bowls
• With pasta
• Inside baked potatoes
• Shredded for tacos or burritos
• As an easy protein for weekly meal prep

For a simple dinner, serve the chicken whole with your favorite vegetable and a side of rice or potatoes. For meal prep, shred the chicken and divide it between salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

Hope you will try this easy Chicken Breast Recipe and enjoy it as much as we did! If you do, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, would love to see how it turns out for you.  

Crockpot Chicken Breast Variations

Lemon Herb Chicken: Add fresh lemon zest and a little lemon juice along with the oregano for a bright, fresh flavor.

Italian-Style Chicken: Replace the oregano with Italian seasoning and add a little dried basil.

Spicy Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for some heat.

Garlic Herb Chicken: Increase the garlic powder and add dried thyme or rosemary.

BBQ Chicken: Cook the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the stock, or toss the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce before serving.

Shredded Chicken: Cook the chicken as directed, then shred it with two forks and mix it with some of the cooking juices before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does chicken breast take in a crockpot?

For this recipe, the chicken breasts are cut in half lengthwise and cooked on HIGH for about 3½ hours. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your slow cooker, so check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

Should I cook chicken breast on LOW or HIGH in a slow cooker?

Both settings can be used for chicken breast. This recipe uses HIGH for 3½ hours. The important thing is to avoid overcooking the chicken and to check its internal temperature for doneness.

Do I need to add liquid to a crockpot when cooking chicken breast?

For this recipe, yes. The ½ cup of chicken or vegetable stock adds flavor and moisture and gives you flavorful juices to spoon over the chicken after cooking.

Why is my crockpot chicken breast dry?

Chicken breast is lean and can become dry when overcooked. Cutting the breasts into evenly sized pieces, keeping the slow cooker covered, and checking the internal temperature can help prevent overcooking.

Can I shred crockpot chicken breast?

Absolutely. Once cooked, the chicken can be shredded easily with two forks. Add some of the cooking juices back to the shredded chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I make crockpot chicken breast ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe works particularly well for meal prep. Cook the chicken, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. You can then use it in salads, wraps, sandwiches, bowls, or quick dinners throughout the week.

How do I keep leftover slow cooker chicken moist?

Store the chicken with some of the cooking juices from the crockpot. When reheating, add a small amount of the juices or another little splash of stock to help keep the chicken moist.

Can I freeze cooked crockpot chicken?

Yes. Allow the chicken to cool, then freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Adding some of the cooking juices before freezing helps preserve its texture and flavor.

Other chicken recipes you may like to try

This Easy Cashew Chicken is a tasty, Asian-inspired dish that’s quick and simple to make. It features tender chicken breast and crunchy cashews, all cooked in a savory sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, made with soy sauce, garlic, hoisin sauce, and a hint of sugar.

Another easy Chicken Breast recipe is this Garlic Butter Chicken that’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. It takes no more than 15-20 minutes and is prepared right on your stovetop. 

This Whole Roasted Chicken recipe is one of the easiest ways of roasting a whole chicken in the oven, with great results each time.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Chicken Patties
Chicken Stir-Fry Noodles
Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken Apple Skillet
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken and Roasted Veggies
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Tikka Masala
Oven BBQ Chicken Wings
Toasted Orzo with Chicken
20 Delightful Chicken Recipes
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Baked Cornflake Crusted Chicken Strips
Chicken Alfredo Pasta