Foolproof Crock-Pot Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Every Time!

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Foolproof Crock-Pot Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Every Time!

Ever wondered how long to cook chicken so it's actually delicious and not like shoe leather? honestly, i've been there.

We're talking about that perfect, fall-apart, juicy chicken breast, all thanks to your trusty crock-pot. forget dry, stringy chicken!

This recipe delivers unbelievably tender and juicy chicken breast. it's cooked low and slow in your crock-pot. are you after meal prep magic? or are you looking for simple suppers? maybe a versatile protein for salads and tacos? this hands-off method is a guaranteed winner.

It's the chicken tikka masala of the slow cooker world – reliably delicious.

Why Crock-Pot Chicken is King

This recipe hails from my own desperate attempts. i needed easy weeknight meals. my goal? i needed to save my sanity.

It became a real family favourite. did you know slow cooking can actually make nutrients more accessible? bonus! this recipe is easy and requires only minimal skills.

The total time will take between 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes (high).

It yields about 4 servings.

Main Benefits: Healthy & Easy

Chicken is lean protein. slow cooking keeps it tender. it's perfect for meal prep. crockpot chicken for meal prep is so clutch.

This recipe is special because it's so versatile. you can shred it for tacos, slice it for salads, or serve it whole with sides.

It is going to be a crowd-pleaser for all your guests, and the secret ingredient is the simple easy cooking technique.

Ready to learn how to cook chicken breast in crockpot ?

What You'll Need: Ingredients Ahoy!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each), patted dry
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Optional: 1 bay leaf

These ingredients are affordable and can be purchased at any local grocery store.

Equipment Needed

You'll need your trusty slow cooker (4-quart or larger). you'll also need some measuring spoons and cups. lastly, a knife and cutting board will be required.

And remember a meat thermometer is a must!

Okay, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what you'll need to whip up this foolproof crock-pot chicken breast . honestly, it's so easy, even i can't mess it up, and that's saying something! we're aiming for tender, juicy chicken every single time, and that starts with the right ingredients and the right tools.

Foolproof Crock-Pot Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Every Time! Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:180 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each), patted dry
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf (Optional)

Instructions:

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
• If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
• Place sliced onions on the bottom of the crock-pot. Top with minced garlic.
• Arrange chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
• Pour chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with dried thyme and smoked paprika. Add bay leaf (if using).
• Cover and cook on LOW for 3-6 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-3 hours. Check for doneness at the earlier end of the range.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
• If desired, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crock-pot, or transfer to a cutting board to shred.
• Serve immediately, or use in your favorite recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:275 calories

Fat:7.5g

Fiber:2.5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Awesome

Trust me, this isn't complicated. We're not talking Masterchef levels of fancy here. Just good, solid ingredients and a few essential pieces of kit.

Main Ingredients for Crock-Pot Chicken Goodness

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6-8 ounces (170-225g) each. Quality matters here. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale and sad-looking. Trust your gut! And make sure to pat them dry before anything else!
• Salt & Pepper: A good pinch of both! I'm talking 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper. Season generously, folks.
• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon ( 15ml ). Or, y'know, cooking spray if you're watching the calories. I get it.
• Onion & Garlic: 1 medium onion, sliced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. The aromatics, innit?
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is your friend here.
• Thyme & Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) smoked paprika. Adds a little oomph .
• Bay Leaf: Optional, but I always chuck one in for good measure.

Did you know how long to cook chicken can depend on the quality of the chicken you are using? just saying! i’ve also made chicken breasts in crockpot with italian dressing.

Next level easy, honestly.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment! But here are a few combos that always work for me:

• The Classic: Thyme, paprika, and a bay leaf. Can't go wrong.
• Italian Twist: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Tex-Mex: Taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
• Quick Subs: No thyme? Use oregano! Out of paprika? A pinch of cayenne will do the trick.

For flavour enhancers, a splash of worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can really elevate the dish. these are the type of shredded chicken crockpot recipes which stand the test of time.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Crock-Pot: Obviously! A 4-quart or larger is ideal. Size matters, folks!
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate seasoning.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Meat Thermometer: This is essential ! You need to make sure your chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) internally. Safety first, people!

Don't have a fancy garlic press? Just mince it with your knife. No measuring spoons? Eyeball it! (But maybe don't eyeball the salt too much).

Pro tip: if you're aiming for that perfect sear before slow cooking and don't want the hassle of another pan, sometimes i cheat and use my broiler.

Keep a close eye, though, it's a quick route from golden-brown to burnt to a crisp!

And honestly? that’s it! let's get cooking, shall we? thinking about how to cook chicken breast in crockpot shouldn't be stressful.

Remember, this recipe is all about ease and deliciousness. so grab your ingredients, your trusty crock-pot, and let's make some magic happen!

Foolproof Crock-Pot Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Every Time!

Forget dry, stringy chicken! this recipe delivers unbelievably tender and juicy chicken breast , cooked low and slow in your crock-pot.

Whether you're after meal prep magic or simple suppers, this hands-off method is a winner. it's the chicken tikka masala of the slow cooker world – reliably delicious.

I used to struggle with dry chicken, all the time. this recipe changed everything!

This recipe is easy. It mainly involves popping things into the crock-pot. Minimal skill required!

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place, baby! get all your ingredients prepped and ready. slice your onion, mince your garlic, and pat those chicken breasts dry.

Honestly, patting the chicken dry is key for better flavour. also, don’t skip the seasoning. salt and pepper are your friends!

For time-saving, prep your veggies the night before. Just pop them in a container in the fridge. Easy peasy.

And, of course, a little safety reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Mum's been drilling that into my head for years!

How Long to Cook Chicken: Step-by-Step Crock-Pot Magic

Ready to roll? Here's how to cook chicken breast in a crock-pot:

1. Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
2. Optional : Sear the chicken breasts in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2- 3 minutes per side.
3. Place 1 sliced medium onion and 2 minced cloves garlic in the bottom of your crock-pot.
4. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic.
5. Pour 1 cup chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. A bay leaf is optional.
6. Cook on LOW for 3- 6 hours or on HIGH for 1.5- 3 hours. Check it at the early end of those times.
7. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It needs to reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Shred with two forks. Serve!

Ace it Every Time: Pro Tips for the Win

Here's a little secret: don't overcook the chicken. i cannot stress this enough. it’ll be dry and stringy. a meat thermometer is your best mate here.

Also, using low sodium broth means you can control the salt levels.

One common mistake? Forgetting the liquid! Always add broth to keep the chicken moist.

Crockpot chicken for meal prep is genius. cook a big batch on sunday and you're set for the week! you can even make the best crockpot chicken with italian dressing for extra flavour.

It is in fact a slow cooker chicken recipe healthy .

So there you have it – how to cook chicken in a crock-pot perfectly! Go forth and conquer, my friend. Happy cooking!

Alright, gather 'round! let's talk about making this crock-pot chicken recipe extra special. i mean, we're already making the best crockpot chicken for meal prep , but why not take it to the next level, eh? let's dive into some little bits to help you master this recipe.

Recipe Notes: Making Good Great

Sometimes the best tips are just about making things easy ! this recipe isn't difficult to begin with, but even the simplest recipes can benefit from a little extra oomph.

Ever wondered how long to cook chicken perfectly in the crock-pot? that golden question deserves a proper answer, and it's all in the timing and temperature, my friend.

Serving it Up in Style

Okay, so you've got this glorious pile of shredded chicken crockpot recipes worthy chicken. now what? presentation matters! think about how you want to use it.

A simple plate with a side of roasted veg? perfect. tucked into tacos with all the fixings? even better! and don't forget a dollop of sour cream – it's a game-changer.

As for drinks, i'm a big fan of pairing this with something refreshing. a crisp white wine, a simple beer, or even just a sparkling water with a slice of lemon does the trick.

You know? something to cut through the richness of the chicken.

Storage Secrets

Right, so you've made a massive batch of this and you're thinking " oh my gosh , what do i do with all this chicken?" fear not! fridge is your friend.

You can keep the chicken breasts in crockpot goodness in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Honestly, i've even stretched it to 5 days before, but play it safe, yeah?

Fancy freezing it? go for it! just pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container. it'll keep for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to chow down, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or in a pan on the hob.

Easy peasy.

Mix it Up, Buttercup

Feeling adventurous? let's talk variations. a simple way to switch things up is with different herbs and spices. fancy some crockpot chicken recipes easy italian dressing ? throw in some italian seasoning and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Boom! italian chicken.

If you're watching your carbs, serve this slow cooker chicken recipe healthy with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. keeps things light and delicious.

Want a seasonal twist? in the autumn, try adding a few chunks of butternut squash to the crock-pot for a sweet and savoury vibe.

Nutrition Know-How

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: nutrition. one serving of this chicken is roughly around 250-300 calories. you are mainly getting protein – about 40-45 grams per serving which is amazing.

Fat sits around 5-10g and a few carbs too, about 5-10g. this will keep you going for ages. do you want to eat a healthy and delicious chicken how to cook chicken breast in crockpot recipe that's easy to make? here you go!

Protein is obviously great for building and repairing muscles, while the chicken broth provides electrolytes. Overall, it's a pretty balanced meal that's good for you and tastes amazing.

You Got This!

Seriously, don't be intimidated. this best crockpot chicken recipe is so simple, even a total beginner can nail it. remember to check the slow cooker chicken breast temperature , and ensure the crockpot chicken breast internal temp has reached 165° f ( 74° c).

Once you nail how to cook your chicken, you're set. have fun experimenting and make it your own. happy cooking!