Slow Cooker Chicken Breast: Juicy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Tender Every Time

Slow cooker chicken breast is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners: simple, hands-off, extremely versatile, and nearly impossible to mess up when cooked the right way. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts—often criticized for being dry or bland—into melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, deeply flavorful perfection. With a buttery garlic herb sauce that forms naturally as the chicken cooks low and slow, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just want a reliable chicken recipe that never fails, this slow cooker chicken breast will become your new staple. It creates chicken that slices cleanly, shreds effortlessly, and pairs beautifully with everything from rice bowls to pasta, salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and more.

This recipe focuses on flavor, moisture, and simplicity. The chicken steams gently in its own juices along with broth, aromatics, and herbs. The result? A tender, succulent protein that stays juicy even after reheating.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Is the Best

1. No Overcooked, Dry Chicken

Chicken breasts are notoriously easy to overcook, but the slow cooker provides steady, gentle heat that preserves moisture and tenderness.

2. Buttery Garlic Herb Sauce

A mix of garlic, broth, herbs, and melted butter creates a luscious sauce without any extra work.

3. Versatile for Meal Prep

Slice it, shred it, chop it—use it for tacos, pasta, bowls, wraps, salads, sandwiches, casseroles, anything.

4. Dump-and-Go Simplicity

Only 5–10 minutes of prep. The slow cooker handles the rest.

5. Healthy and Lean

High in protein yet lighter than many chicken dishes, making it perfect for everyday eating.

Ingredients

Chicken & Seasoning

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Slow Cooker Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter (cut into cubes)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tbsp honey for a sweet finish
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken
   Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker
   Lay chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce
   Add minced garlic, butter cubes, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme over the chicken.
4. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.
   (Low always yields juicier chicken.)
5. Check for Doneness
   Chicken should be 165°F (74°C) internally and extremely tender.
6. Slice or Shred
   Slice thick pieces for serving, or shred directly in the pot to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.
7. Serve with Sauce
   Spoon extra slow cooker sauce over the chicken before serving.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Tender, juicy slow cooker chicken breast simmered in garlic herb butter and broth for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Seasoned Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Slow Cooker Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter cubed
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp thyme dried or fresh sprigs

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Place chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Add butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
5. Slice or shred chicken and spoon sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

For a sweeter variation, add 1 tablespoon honey. For extra sauce, double the broth and butter.

Tips for Success

Cook on Low for Best Texture

Low heat prevents fibers from tightening, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Don’t Overcook

Even in a slow cooker, too much time can dry out chicken breasts. Use the time range as a guide.

Add Vegetables for One-Pot Meals

Place carrots, potatoes, or green beans under the chicken to cook in the juices.

Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic caramelizes and infuses the broth with richer flavor than powder alone.

Increase Sauce If Needed

Double the broth and butter if you want extra sauce for rice or mashed potatoes.

Flavor Variations

• Honey Garlic Chicken: Add ¼ cup honey.
• Creamy Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add zest of one lemon plus fresh rosemary.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning.
• BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken: Replace broth with ½ cup BBQ sauce.

Serving Ideas

• Over mashed potatoes with plenty of sauce
• On top of rice or quinoa bowls
• Shredded in tacos or burritos
• On salads for a protein boost
• With roasted vegetables
• In sandwiches or sliders

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: 4 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (store with sauce for best results)
• Reheat: Microwave covered or warm gently in a pan with a splash of broth