Slow cooked chicken breast served with herbs

Tender and Juicy Slow-Cooked Chicken Breast - Quick & Easy

Name: Tender and Juicy Slow-Cooked Chicken Breast - Quick & Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 piece Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 piece Garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup Chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper; 1 tbsp Lemon juice (optional for brightness)

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easy

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories180kcal

Carbs1gram

Fat3gram

Protein32gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts4 piece
Olive oil2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3 piece
Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)1 cup
Dried Italian seasoning1 tsp
Salt0.5 tsp
Black pepper0.25 tsp
Lemon juice (optional for brightness)1 tbsp

This slow-cooked chicken breast recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, foolproof method to achieve tender and juicy chicken. It's beginner-friendly and uses common ingredients you can find at any supermarket. Not only does slow cooking allow the chicken to absorb flavors beautifully, but it also keeps the meat moist and tender. This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep and 4 hours of cooking time, resulting in a delicious dish with approximately 180 calories per serving. Estimated cost of ingredients is around 7 USD / 6.5 EUR / 5.5 GBP / 520 INR for 4 servings. It's a healthy, low-fat, and gluten-free dish, suitable for most diets. Keep in mind food safety by cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure it is safe to eat. The recipe is straightforward with medium-low difficulty to ensure successful results without stress.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the chicken breasts

1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and reduces excess moisture, which improves texture.

Season the chicken

2Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic for flavor.

Set up slow cooker

3Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. The broth will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.

Place chicken in slow cooker

4Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker, ensuring they are partly submerged in the broth for even cooking.

Cook the chicken

5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.

Check internal temperature

6Using a meat thermometer, ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Add lemon juice (optional)

7Once cooked, optionally drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken to enhance brightness and flavor. Serve warm.

Cooking Tips

1Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 75°C (165°F). Avoid guessing by color or juice alone, as these are not reliable indicators.

2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other ingredients, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry.

3If you want to add vegetables (such as carrots or potatoes), place them at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken to ensure even cooking.

4For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the broth on high for 10 minutes to reduce it.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Meat thermometer
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board
Spoon or spatula for mixing

Shopping List

[ ] Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~$6 for 4 pieces). Look for fresh, firm chicken with no discoloration.
[ ] Olive oil (~$0.50 for 2 tbsp). Choose extra virgin for better flavor.
[ ] Garlic bulbs (~$0.30 for 3 cloves). Fresh garlic is preferable for more aroma.
[ ] Chicken broth (~$1.50 for 1 cup). Low sodium to control saltiness.
[ ] Dried Italian seasoning (~$0.20 for 1 tsp). Use a quality blend.
[ ] Lemons (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp juice). Optional, adds freshness.
[ ] Salt and black pepper (small amounts, pantry staples).

Total approximate cost: $8.50 (prices vary by region).

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It is best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts. Cooking from frozen in a slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and unsafe food temperatures.

What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can use a covered oven-safe dish and cook in a low oven (around 150°C / 300°F) for approximately 1.5-2 hours, but a slow cooker is recommended for best results.