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Never-Dry Crockpot Chicken Breast: The Best One Pot Recipe

never-dry crockpot chicken breast - featured image

This never-dry crockpot chicken breast recipe delivers consistently tender, juicy shredded chicken every time. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s perfect for meal prep and versatile enough for salads, sandwiches, tacos, and casseroles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick and prevent steaming.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken and rub in gently.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add olive oil and fresh herb sprigs if using. Swirl to combine.
  4. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the broth, avoiding overlap.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours for 1.5 pounds, or 3 to 4 hours for 2 pounds. Do not cook on high.
  6. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the largest breast. Target 160°F to 165°F. Cook additional 20-30 minutes if needed.
  7. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Shred with two forks or a hand mixer on low speed. For sliced chicken, slice against the grain.
  9. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid over shredded chicken and toss to combine for extra moisture.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during cooking as it releases heat and extends cooking time. Every slow cooker runs differently; use a thermometer for accuracy. For best results, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. The chicken becomes more flavorful after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, never-dry chicken, shredded chicken, one pot meal, meal prep chicken, juicy chicken breast