Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast

This recipe is a straightforward method for cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a slow cooker. With just a few pantry staples, you get moist, tender chicken that can be used in a variety of meals throughout the week. It’s a foundational recipe that every home cook can appreciate.

The beauty of this dish is its hands-off nature. It takes only five minutes to prepare, and then the crock pot handles the rest. This makes it a great choice for meal prepping on a Sunday or for a simple dinner on a busy weekday.

Why will you love Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast?

The low and slow cooking method gently cooks the lean chicken, helping it stay moist and tender.

It requires minimal effort. You just place the ingredients in the pot and turn it on, freeing you up to do other things.

The chicken releases its own juices as it cooks, creating a flavorful liquid that keeps it from drying out.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. Always make sure they are fully thawed before you begin.

• Olive Oil: This helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and adds a little richness. You can substitute with avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil.

• Kosher Salt: We recommend kosher salt for its ability to season meat evenly. If using table salt, reduce the amount by about half.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper will provide a much better flavor than pre-ground pepper.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, pat your thawed chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Place them in a single layer inside your slow cooker. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on the LOW setting. There is no need to add any extra liquid, as the chicken will create its own broth as it cooks. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours.

Step 3: Check, Rest, and Serve

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let it rest in the pot for about 10 minutes. This helps the meat stay juicy. You can then serve the breasts whole, sliced, or shredded.

What to Serve with Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast

This chicken is very versatile. Serve it as a main course with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. You can also shred it for use in tacos, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

Helpful Tricks for Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast

For food safety, always cook poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cook times can vary between slow cooker models. Start checking the temperature on the earlier side to avoid overcooking, which can make chicken tough.

Using thawed chicken is important for both texture and food safety. Do not use frozen chicken for this recipe.

Feel free to add other seasonings like ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika along with the salt and pepper.

How to Store and Freeze Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

We strongly recommend using thawed chicken breasts. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can allow it to stay at an unsafe temperature for too long, posing a food safety risk.

Do I need to add any water or broth to the crock pot?

No, you do not need to add any liquid. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, creating enough liquid to keep it moist.

My slow cooker chicken is always dry. What am I doing wrong?

The most common reason for dry chicken is overcooking. Slow cookers vary in temperature, so yours might run hotter. Start checking the internal temperature with a thermometer around the 2.5 or 3-hour mark to avoid cooking it too long.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken Breast

Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked with simple seasonings in your slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thawed, about 900 g
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken.
• Sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper over the top.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours.
• Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast. The chicken is ready when it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Turn off the slow cooker and let the chicken rest in the pot, covered, for 10 minutes to reabsorb the juices.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and slice or shred as desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For food safety, always cook poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cook times can vary between slow cooker models. Start checking the temperature on the earlier side to avoid overcooking, which can make chicken tough.

Using thawed chicken is important for both texture and food safety. Do not use frozen chicken for this recipe.

Feel free to add other seasonings like ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika along with the salt and pepper.

Keyword Chicken, Crock Pot, easy crock pot chicken breast, easy dinner, slow cooker