Slow Cooker Chicken Breast: Juicy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Tender Every Time
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Incredibly tender and juicy slow cooker chicken breast with buttery garlic herb sauce. Perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
- Author: James Carter Jr
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- 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
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2–3 fresh sprigs
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Scatter minced garlic over chicken, distribute butter cubes evenly on top, then pour chicken broth and lemon juice over everything. Add thyme.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours (recommended) or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. Check temperature at minimum cooking time.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice against the grain, or shred directly in the pot with two forks to absorb the sauce.
- Spoon remaining garlic butter sauce over chicken before serving.
Notes
- Always cook on LOW for most tender, juicy results. High heat works in a pinch but may produce slightly less tender texture.
- Don’t overcook beyond 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high – even in a slow cooker chicken can dry out.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning for better spice adherence.
- If chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), butterfly or pound to even thickness.
- Store with sauce for up to 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked chicken with sauce
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg