If you’ve ever wished you had a stash of perfectly cooked chicken ready to go in the fridge—this is that recipe.
All you need are chicken breasts, broth, olive oil, and a handful of pantry spices. That’s it.
No searing, no babysitting a pan, no complicated prep. Just a quick rub, into the slow cooker it goes.
A few hours later, you’ve got juicy, tender chicken ready for tacos, salads, sandwiches, grain bowls—whatever the week throws at you.
We know “easy slow cooker chicken” gets tossed around a lot. But this one truly earns it.
Ten minutes of hands-on time, and the slow cooker does the rest. It’s the kind of back-pocket recipe that makes weekday cooking feel a whole lot more manageable.
For the Slow Cooker Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer darker meat—they stay just as tender in the slow cooker.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out while it cooks. It also creates a light, flavorful base.
- Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a little richness.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Onion Powder – Adds subtle savory depth without needing fresh onions.
- Dried Thyme – Brings a mild herbal note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Ground Paprika – Adds warmth and a hint of smoky flavor.
- Black Pepper – For a touch of gentle heat and balance.
- Garlic Powder – Boosts flavor and gives the chicken a classic savory finish.
Simple Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
Tender, juicy chicken breasts made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This simple method creates flavorful chicken that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, weekly meal prep, salads, sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, and more.
Print
PinServings: 4
Notes
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Add the broth.
Pour the ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. - Mix the seasoning.
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. - Season the chicken.
Coat the chicken breasts with the olive oil, then evenly rub the prepared seasoning mixture over all sides. - Place in slow cooker.
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts inside the slow cooker. - Cook.
- Cook on High for 3–4 hours, or
- Cook on Low for 4–6 hours.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste—simply rub them onto the chicken before cooking.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted using the same ingredients and directions.
- Bone-in or skin-on pieces may require different cooking times. Always confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- Cooking duration depends on your slow cooker setting:
- Low: 4–6 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Do I need to sear the chicken first?
No, you don’t. That’s the beauty of this recipe. The chicken goes straight into the slow cooker after being coated in olive oil and seasonings. It turns out tender and juicy without any extra steps. - Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For best results, I recommend using thawed chicken so it cooks evenly. If you’re in a pinch and using frozen, just allow extra cooking time and be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest and easiest way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear and the center should no longer be pink. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker isn’t overcrowded. The chicken should be arranged in a single layer if possible. You may need to add a little extra cooking time if your cooker is very full. - Can I change the seasonings?
Absolutely. This recipe is very forgiving. You can add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s a great base recipe that you can customize to your taste.
