Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
I’ve made this slow cooker chicken more times than I can count — it’s the kind of basic, reliable recipe that solves dinner on busy nights and stretches well into salads, tacos, and sandwiches the next day. Tender shredded chicken comes from a handful of pantry spices, a quick sear, and hours of low-and-slow cooking. It’s simple, forgiving, and a great base for so many meals.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is the weeknight workhorse: minimal hands-on time, inexpensive ingredients, and a consistently juicy result. Because the breasts are seared first, you keep a bit of caramelized flavor that makes the finished shredded chicken taste richer than plain slow-cooker fare. It’s also very adaptable — use the shredded meat for tacos, grain bowls, or a quick casserole.
“Perfect for busy families — juicy every time and the spice mix is just right.” — a regular family favorite
If you enjoy versatile slow-cooker chicken, try building bowls with a Mexican twist inspired by this method using the Mexican-inspired slow cooker chicken bowl ideas.
How this recipe comes together
Step-by-step overview so you know what to expect before you start:
- Mix a simple dry spice rub and coat the chicken breasts.
- Sear the spiced breasts quickly in a skillet to lock in flavor and color.
- Transfer to the slow cooker, add chicken broth for moisture, and cook low and slow until tender.
- Shred the chicken in the pot or on a board and use immediately or cool for later.
This approach keeps active cooking time under 15 minutes and lets the slow cooker do the rest.
What you’ll need
Key ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste (about ½–1 teaspoon salt)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
Ingredient notes and substitutions:
- Chicken: breasts are called for because they shred easily and stay lean; thighs work too and yield slightly richer meat.
- Broth: water plus a bouillon cube can substitute, but broth adds more depth.
- Herbs: swap Italian seasoning for the oregano/thyme mix in a pinch.
Directions to follow
- Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until evenly blended.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub the spice mixture over all surfaces so they’re nicely coated.
- Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each breast 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown — this is about color and flavor, not cooking through.
- Place the seared breasts in the slow cooker, then pour the chicken broth around (not directly over) the meat to keep the rub in place.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken easily flakes with a fork and reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board or shred directly in the cooker with two forks. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
If you’re collecting ideas for finished dishes using the shredded meat, you can adapt it quickly into a burrito bowl; see these slow cooker chicken burrito bowl ideas for inspiration.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving suggestions
- Shredded chicken tacos: warm tortillas, crunchy slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
- Family bowl: rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables, a drizzle of ranch or tahini, and the shredded chicken.
- Sandwiches: toast brioche, pile on the chicken, add pickles and a smear of mayo.
- Light salad: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and cooled shredded chicken with vinaigrette.
For a heartier, Italian-style pairing try serving alongside the flavors from a chicken cacciatore with potatoes, swapping the shredded chicken into bowls with those braising juices.
Storage and reheating tips
Keeping leftovers fresh
- Refrigerate: Store cooled shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Label with the date.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying, or microwave covered in 30-second bursts stirring between until heated through. Ensure reheated chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Food safety: never leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s hot out). Cool quickly and refrigerate.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t skip the sear: it adds Maillard flavor that elevates simple slow-cooked chicken.
- Even thickness: pound thicker breasts slightly so they cook uniformly.
- Broth level: one cup is enough to keep a moist environment; you don’t need to submerge the chicken.
- Salt wisely: if using low-sodium broth, taste and adjust seasoning after shredding.
- Make ahead: cook in the morning on low and shred for dinner; the meat keeps its texture very well.
For a richer braise and to borrow technique from other slow-cooker braises, check these practical slow cooker chicken cacciatore tips.
Creative twists
Recipe variations
- Lemon-herb: add zest and juice of one lemon and fresh parsley after shredding.
- Buffalo: toss shredded chicken with hot sauce and a little butter for sandwiches or piled over celery sticks.
- Mediterranean: stir in olives, roasted red peppers, and feta for a bright finish.
- Dairy-free/Whole30: use ghee or avocado oil instead of olive oil and keep spices simple.
Swap proteins: use boneless thighs for more fat and flavor, or try this method with turkey breast for holiday meal prep.
Common questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
A: It’s safer to thaw first. Placing frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker can keep the meat in a temperature danger zone too long. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Q: How long does it take to shred?
A: About 3–5 minutes with two forks or a hand mixer on low for 20–30 seconds for large batches. If shredding in the slow cooker, be careful to avoid shredding any vegetables in the pot.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and add an extra ½–1 cup of broth if needed. Cooking time on low remains similar, but check doneness with a thermometer.
Q: Is this low-carb or keto-friendly?
A: Yes—this recipe is protein-forward and low in carbs. Watch added sides and sauces if you’re tracking carbs.
Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A: Sear first, keep an adequate amount of broth, don’t overcook (check for easy flaking around the shorter end of the cook time), and rehydrate with a splash of broth when reheating.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken breast recipe is a reliable, adaptable base for countless meals — from tacos to salads to cozy weeknight bowls. If you want another take on a juicy slow-cooker chicken, see the tested method at JUICY Slow Cooker Chicken Breast — The Recipe Rebel. For an article focused on keeping chicken moist in the slow cooker with a slightly different approach, I also recommend Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts, the Juicy Secret — Glenda Embree.
Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total) Breasts shred easily and stay lean; thighs can be used for richer meat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Can substitute with Italian seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5–1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium preferred; can substitute with water plus a bouillon cube.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub the spice mixture over all surfaces.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each breast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Place seared breasts in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth around the meat.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken easily flakes with a fork.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board or shred directly in the cooker.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
