Description
A simple and delicious slow-cooker chicken recipe that guarantees tender, juicy chicken every time. Avoid the common mistake of tough, dry chicken by using these easy tips. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to set it and forget it.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for optional searing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Optional Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned (optional, but adds extra flavor).
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour the chicken broth over it.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours (for breasts) or 4-6 hours (for thighs) until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred or Serve: If you prefer shredded chicken, shred the chicken with two forks, mix with the cooking liquid, and let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Alternatively, serve whole with some of the broth spooned over the top.
Notes
Notes:
- Using Chicken Thighs: Thighs are more forgiving and stay moist longer, making them a great choice for slow-cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can become tough if overcooked, so stick to the recommended times.
- Adding Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, onions, or potatoes for a one-pot meal.
- Freezing: Leftover shredded chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Cook Time: 3-4 hours (breasts) or 4-6 hours (thighs)
- Category: Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 220 kcal (for chicken breasts), or 250 kcal (for thighs)
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg (varies based on broth and seasoning used)
- Fat: Fat: 9g (for breasts), or 13g (for thighs)
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g (higher in thighs)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g (mostly from seasoning
- Fiber: Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g (for breasts), or 28g (for thighs)
- Cholesterol: 85mg (for breasts), or 95mg (for thighs)
Keywords: Crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, tender crockpot