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Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts

These easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts are tender, juicy, and packed with simple Italian-inspired seasonings, garlic, lemon, and chicken broth. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and rice bowls. Once you master this basic recipe, you can easily turn it into Italian dressing chicken, teriyaki chicken, or other flavorful chicken slow cooker recipes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley optional
  • Lemon wedges optional

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. If the chicken breasts are very thick or uneven, gently pound them to create a more even thickness.
  3. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  6. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  7. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
  8. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 2½–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2½ hours, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
  9. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
  10. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
  11. Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
  13. Serve warm with your favorite vegetables, rice, potatoes, or salad.

Notes

Chicken breasts vary considerably in size, so cooking time can vary.
Avoid cooking the chicken significantly longer than necessary because lean chicken breast can become dry.
Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the salt level.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking.
Return sliced or shredded chicken to some of the cooking juices before serving for additional moisture.
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the savory seasoning.
Always check the chicken's internal temperature before serving.