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Perfect Overnight Crockpot Chicken Breast

overnight crockpot chicken breast - featured image

A foolproof recipe for tender, juicy chicken breast cooked overnight in a slow cooker. Perfect for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, tacos, or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or silver skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of each chicken breast and rub in gently.
  3. Pour chicken broth and olive oil into the bottom of a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker. If using butter, place small pieces on top of each breast.
  5. Cover and set slow cooker to LOW heat. Cook for 7 to 8 hours.
  6. Check for doneness: chicken should be fork-tender and register at least 165°F internally.
  7. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Shred with two forks or slice against the grain.
  9. Reserve the cooking liquid to pour over shredded chicken or use in soups and sauces.

Notes

Do not add too much liquid; chicken releases its own juices. Season the chicken directly, not the liquid. Low and slow is non-negotiable for tender results. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Let chicken rest before shredding. Always thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken, juicy chicken breast