Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe
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Are you looking for an easy way to make tasty chicken? A crockpot chicken breast recipe might be just what you need. This simple dish takes only 10 minutes to prep and cooks for 6 hours, giving you tender, juicy chicken with little effort.
You can use this recipe as a base for many meals. The chicken works great in salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish with sides. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll have delicious chicken ready when you need it.
Exact Ingredients List
You’ll need these items to make this tasty crockpot chicken breast recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the seasoning mix:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The chicken breasts are the star of this dish. The low-sodium broth helps keep the meat moist.
The olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken. The mix of spices gives the chicken a yummy flavor without being too strong.
You can easily double this recipe if you’re cooking for a bigger group. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to fit all the chicken without overcrowding.
Instructions
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.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this crockpot chicken breast recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
Meat substitutes:
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Turkey breast cutlets
- Pork tenderloin (adjust cooking time)
Seasoning swaps:
- Italian herbs instead of thyme
- Smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
Try these liquid options instead of chicken broth:
- Vegetable broth
- White wine (1/4 cup)
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons) mixed with water
You can also add veggies to make a complete meal:
- Sliced onions
- Baby carrots
- Cubed potatoes
For a creamy version, mix in 1/2 cup of cream cheese or Greek yogurt near the end of cooking. This makes a yummy sauce for the chicken.
Remember, cooking times may vary slightly with different ingredients. Always check that your chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the juiciest chicken, avoid overcooking. Check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Try adding extra flavor with herbs or lemon slices. Place them on top of the chicken before cooking.
Don’t lift the lid during cooking. This lets heat escape and can increase cooking time.
Here are some storage tips:
- Let chicken cool before refrigerating
- Store in airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts until warm. You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Use your crockpot chicken in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. It’s great for meal prep too!
For easy cleanup, use slow cooker liners. They save time and make washing up a breeze.