Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked low and slow with simple ingredients and rich, adaptable flavors. Perfect for effortless weekday dinners or cozy weekend meals, this recipe ensures moist and flavorful chicken every time with versatile seasoning options and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, carrots), chopped

Herbs and Spices

1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Flavorings

1 cup chicken broth or stock
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or grape juice

Optional Variations

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) or 1/2 cup coconut milk (for creamy twist)
1/4 cup olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil (for Mediterranean style)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (to boost umami)
1/4 cup chopped smoked turkey bacon pieces (for smoky flavor)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and chop your vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Gather your herbs, spices, and broth so everything is ready to go.
Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of your slow cooker to give the chicken a flavorful base and prevent sticking. Lay the chicken breasts on top, seasoning each piece with your chosen herbs and spices.
Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in chicken broth along with apple cider vinegar or grape juice to add moisture and subtle acidity. This combination helps keep the chicken moist while building depth in flavor.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top and let it melt before serving, or stir in creamy elements like coconut milk. Check seasoning and adjust salt or herbs as desired.

Notes

Pat dry chicken breasts before seasoning to help spices stick better.
Add fresh herbs toward the end of cooking to brighten the flavor.
Avoid overcooking to prevent chicken from becoming dry.
To thicken the sauce, stir in a plant-based texture solution like agar dissolved in warm water toward the end and cook for a few more minutes.
Use even-sized chicken breasts to ensure all pieces cook evenly without drying out smaller pieces.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, healthy slow cooker meals, juicy chicken breast, comforting dinner, meal prep chicken