Slow Cooker Chicken Breast – Juicy and Tender

Slow cooker chicken breast is the ultimate weeknight solution when you need juicy, tender chicken without any fuss. Just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker do all the work, creating restaurant-quality results with almost no effort from you.

I still remember the first time I tried cooking chicken breasts in my slow cooker. I was skeptical they’d turn out dry and flavorless, but I was so wrong. The gentle, steady heat combined with that buttery garlic sauce creates the most incredibly tender, flavorful chicken I’ve ever made at home. Now it’s my go-to method whenever I need perfectly cooked chicken for meal prep or a quick family dinner. This slow cooker chicken breast recipe has become a weekly staple in my kitchen because it’s versatile enough for tacos, salads, pasta, or grain bowls. The best part is the hands-off cooking that lets you tackle other tasks while dinner practically makes itself.

What You’ll Need to Make This Slow Cooker Chicken

Before you start, gather your ingredients for the most flavorful, tender slow cooker chicken breast. I always use fresh garlic instead of powder because it creates a richer, more aromatic sauce that coats every bite.

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4 medium breasts)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh tastes best)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium works great)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2-3 fresh sprigs

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon honey for subtle sweetness
• Red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Fresh parsley for garnish and color

Pro tip: I recommend patting your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better and gives you more flavorful results. If your chicken breasts are extra thick (over 1 inch), consider butterflying them or pounding to even thickness so they cook uniformly.

How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

I prefer cooking on low heat for this recipe because it produces the juiciest, most tender chicken every single time. Here’s exactly how I make it.

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t skip the drying step, it really makes a difference in how well the seasonings adhere.

Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Avoid overlapping if possible, this ensures even cooking throughout.

Step 3: Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken, then distribute the butter cubes evenly on top. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over everything, and add the thyme sprigs or dried thyme.

Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours (recommended for juiciest results) or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours if you’re short on time. Check the temperature at the minimum cooking time – you’re looking for 165°F in the thickest part.

Step 5: Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. The chicken should look opaque throughout and feel tender when you press it gently with a fork.

Step 6: If you want sliced chicken, transfer the breasts to a cutting board and slice against the grain. For shredded slow cooker chicken breast, use two forks right in the pot to pull the meat apart. It will soak up all that delicious buttery garlic sauce.

Step 7: Spoon the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over your sliced or shredded chicken before serving. This sauce is liquid gold and adds incredible flavor to whatever you’re pairing with your chicken.

What to Serve with Your Tender Slow Cooker Chicken

This juicy slow cooker chicken breast pairs beautifully with so many sides because the buttery garlic sauce complements almost any flavor profile.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing. Let that garlic butter sauce pool into the potatoes for an incredibly satisfying meal that feels indulgent but comes together so easily.

Fluffy Rice or Quinoa: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the flavorful sauce. I love using jasmine rice or herb-seasoned quinoa to create a complete protein-packed bowl.

Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans roasted with olive oil and salt bring a nice contrast in texture and a slightly caramelized flavor that balances the richness of the chicken.

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the buttery sauce and adds freshness to your plate.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Essential for mopping up that incredible sauce. Warm, crusty bread makes this meal feel restaurant-special without any extra effort.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Simplify Your Weeknights

This tender slow cooker chicken breast pairs perfectly with other hands-off slow cooker meals that make weeknight dinners effortless. For a complete comfort food experience, serve this juicy chicken alongside the rich and savory Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes or the creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese – both cook in separate slow cookers while you handle everything else.

If you love the buttery garlic flavors in this chicken recipe, try the hearty Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes for a beef variation with similar seasonings. For lighter options that still deliver incredible flavor, the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken offers a tangy-sweet twist, while the Crock Pot Angel Chicken brings creamy Italian-inspired flavors to the table.

Storing Your Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Proper storage keeps your slow cooker chicken breast just as delicious for several days after cooking. Store the chicken with some of the cooking sauce to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out in the fridge.

Let chicken cool for 10-15 minutes, then transfer sliced or shredded chicken to an airtight container and pour a few spoonfuls of the garlic butter sauce over the top. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken with sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm gently in the microwave (covered) or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid high heat when reheating, which can make the chicken tough and dry.

Pro tip from my kitchen: This slow cooker chicken breast is perfect for meal prep. I often make a double batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week in different ways like tacos, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. The flavor stays fresh and the chicken remains tender even after reheating.

Your Slow Cooker Chicken Questions Answered

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