Slow-cooked tender chicken breast in a slow cooker with herbs

Succulent Slow-Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Every Time!

Name: Succulent Slow-Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender & Juicy Every Time!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 piece Chicken breast, boneless and skinless (choose fresh, firm chicken breasts from a reputable vendor); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor); 3 cloves Minced garlic (freshly minced for aroma); 120 ml Chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 2 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp Dried thyme (or use fresh if available); 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt recommended); 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)

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easy

3 hour 30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories250kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat5gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Chicken breast, boneless and skinless (choose fresh, firm chicken breasts from a reputable vendor)4 piece
Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
Minced garlic (freshly minced for aroma)3 cloves
Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)120 ml
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)2 tbsp
Dried thyme (or use fresh if available)1 tsp
Salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp

Discover the easiest way to get tender, juicy chicken breast using your slow cooker or crockpot. This recipe walks you through the entire process, ensuring safe cooking to the perfect temperature so your chicken is moist and flavorful every time. Ideal for busy home cooks who want a hassle-free, healthy protein option. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 (8.50€ / £7.50 / ₹830) for four servings. Each serving contains about 250 kcal. This recipe suits most diets including low-carb, gluten-free, and high-protein. Difficulty level: easy. Total time: about 3 to 4 hours cooking, plus 10 minutes prep.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the chicken

1Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess juices. Make sure to wash your hands and sanitize any surfaces afterward to avoid cross-contamination.

Season the chicken

2Rub olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, minced garlic, and thyme evenly over both sides. This will add flavor and help keep the chicken moist.

Place chicken in slow cooker

3Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice around the chicken (not directly on top to keep seasoning in place). The broth keeps chicken juicy during slow cooking.

Set slow cooker temperature and time

4Cover and cook on LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low temperature ensures gradual cooking and yields tender chicken. Check the chicken at 3 hours.

Check internal temperature for doneness

5Using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of chicken breast. It must reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat. If it hasn’t reached this temperature, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes.

Rest and serve

6Once cooked through, turn off the slow cooker and let the chicken rest covered for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making it even more tender. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips

1Avoid opening the slow cooker frequently during cooking; it releases heat and prolongs cooking time.

2If you prefer extra flavor, marinate chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking with the same seasoning mixture.

3You can substitute chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth if preferred.

4Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.

5Always clean your meat thermometer between uses to prevent cross-contamination.

Equipment

Slow cooker or Crockpot
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl (optional for seasoning)

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Chicken breast, boneless and skinless (approx. $8) - Choose firm, pale pink breasts with no odor.
[ ] Olive oil (small bottle approx. $3) - Extra virgin for best flavor.
[ ] Garlic (1 bulb approx. $0.50) - Select firm bulbs with tight skin.
[ ] Chicken broth, low sodium (approx. $2 for carton) - Check for low sodium to control salt level.
[ ] Lemon (approx. $0.50) - Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
[ ] Dried thyme (small jar approx. $2) - Look for vibrant color and aroma.
[ ] Salt and pepper (pantry staples)

Total estimated cost: $10 - $15

FAQ

Why should I use a meat thermometer when slow cooking chicken?

A meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), avoiding undercooking and foodborne illness.

Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?

It's not recommended to cook frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker as it may remain too long in the temperature danger zone encouraging bacterial growth. Thaw first in the refrigerator.

What if my chicken breasts are very large or thick?

If your chicken breasts are larger than 170g (6 oz) or very thick, add an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour cooking time on low and check temperature accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, add sturdy vegetables like carrots or potatoes at the bottom before placing the chicken on top. They will cook well and absorb some delicious juices.

How do I store leftover slow cooked chicken?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot.