Imagine coming home to the most tender, juicy chicken breasts you’ve ever tasted, ready and waiting for you! This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s incredibly simple, yet bursting with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the work.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Slow cooking ensures perfectly moist chicken every time.
- Versatile: Use it in salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish with sides.
- Budget-Friendly: Transforms affordable chicken breasts into a gourmet meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, packed with lean protein.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
- Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for incredible flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Creates steam to keep the chicken moist.
- Fresh Herbs: Optional thyme and rosemary for an aromatic boost.
- Gravy Ingredients: Butter and flour to create a luscious sauce from the drippings.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Lemon Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before cooking and add extra herbs.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic powder or add whole garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
- BBQ Style: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat those chicken breasts dry – this is crucial for the seasoning to stick!
Step 2: Season Like a Pro
Mix up that magical seasoning blend and generously coat each chicken breast. Don’t be shy!
Step 3: Slow Cooker Setup
Pour in the chicken stock, arrange the chicken, and if you’re feeling fancy, toss in those herb sprigs.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic for 1.5 to 2.5 hours on low. The aroma will drive you wild!
Step 5: Gravy Time
Transform those flavorful drippings into a silky gravy. It’s easier than you think and so worth it!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Even Cooking: Choose chicken breasts of similar size for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. 165°F (74°C) is the sweet spot!
- Gravy Perfection: Whisk constantly while making the gravy to avoid lumps.
- Herb Infusion: Tie herb sprigs together for easy removal before serving.
How to Serve
Slice that juicy chicken and drizzle with your homemade gravy. Pair it with:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- A crisp green salad
- Warm, crusty bread to soak up the gravy
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm in the microwave with a splash of water, or in a covered pan on low heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety reasons. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). The slow cooker’s moist environment helps too.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add chunky veggies like carrots or potatoes at the beginning. For softer veggies like peas, add them in the last 30 minutes.
Is it necessary to make the gravy?
While the gravy is delicious, it’s optional. The chicken is flavorful on its own, but the gravy takes it to the next level!
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious dinner. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along! Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker chicken breast, perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, served with a rich homemade gravy.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 (908 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 pounds
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons (11 g) kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, sweet or smoked
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted chicken stock, or broth
- 4 sprigs thyme, optional
- 2 sprigs rosemary, optional
Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (17 g) flour
- Unsalted chicken stock, or broth, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly dry each chicken breast with a paper towel.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl combine olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Brush the seasoning paste on both sides of each chicken breast.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Add chicken stock to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken in a single layer in the pot. If using rosemary and thyme, place it on top.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on the “Low” setting for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165ºF (71 to 74ºC) on a meat thermometer. An 8-ounce breast takes about 2 hours.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate or carving board. Loosely cover to keep warm while making the gravy.
- Make the Gravy: Transfer the chicken drippings in the slow cooker to a measuring cup. Add additional chicken stock until the volume reaches 1 cup.
- Create Roux: Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and then whisk in flour. Whisk and cook until a pale yellow roux forms, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Thicken Gravy: Gradually whisk in the drippings. Turn the heat up to medium-high and continuously stir until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add more chicken stock if desired to thin the sauce. It will thicken more as it cools. Season the gravy with salt and pepper. If desired, strain the gravy for a smoother sauce.
- Serve: Keep the chicken pieces whole or sliced. Serve with the gravy.
Notes
- Storing: Cool completely and store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Freeze for up to 9 months.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute cassava flour or cornstarch for all-purpose flour. If using cornstarch, dissolve 1 tablespoon in 2 tablespoons of water. Add to chicken stock and then stir and cook on the saute function until the liquid thickens.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken breasts for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 130
