How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the slow cooker?

On LOW, chicken breast takes about 2 to 3 hours. On HIGH, it takes 1 to 2 hours. Always use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be sure it is safe to eat.

Can I cook chicken breast in the slow cooker without liquid?

You can, but it is not ideal. A small amount of liquid like chicken broth or even salsa keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. Without it, especially on the HIGH setting, you risk drying it out.

Why is my slow cooker chicken dry?

Overcooking is almost always the reason. Chicken breast has very little fat, so it dries out quickly once it goes past 165°F. Check the temperature early and remove the chicken as soon as it is done.

Can I shred slow cooker chicken breast?

Yes, and it shreds beautifully. Once cooked, use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Add a splash of the cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast: The Easiest, Juiciest Recipe Ever

Description

Tender, juicy slow cooker chicken breast made with simple seasonings, chicken broth, and almost zero effort for easy dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4 medium pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any surface moisture.
Coat the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Season all sides of the chicken evenly with the spice mixture.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken, not directly on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes.
Slice or shred the chicken and serve with some of the cooking liquid to keep it juicy.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken. Check the temperature early and remove it as soon as it reaches 165°F. Use the cooking liquid to keep sliced or shredded chicken moist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg