If you’re like me and have struggled to get tender, juicy chicken breasts from a slow cooker, this Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe will be your new kitchen hero. I absolutely love how simple yet flavorful it turns out, and the best part is, it requires minimal effort. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe gives you beautifully moist chicken every time without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy Results Every Time: I discovered a seasoning blend and butter trick that keeps the chicken moist all throughout slow cooking.
- Super Easy Prep: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.
- Versatile and Flavorful: The seasoning strikes the perfect balance, making this chicken great for salads, sandwiches, or dinner plates.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook in bulk once, store leftovers easily, and enjoy quick meals all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are straightforward, but each plays a key role in keeping the chicken seasoned and succulent. I always recommend using low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness, and fresh butter really helps with richness and moisture.

- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the seasoning mix perfectly.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a mild herbaceous note without overpowering the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, savory undertone that’s essential for flavor depth.
- Pepper: Provides just a touch of heat to lift the taste.
- Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and subtle complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor plus a nice color to the chicken.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken juicy and infuses gentle flavor during slow cooking.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—choose good quality breasts about 2 pounds total for even cooking.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps lock in moisture during cooking for tender results.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for different flavors or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative depending on what you have or want!
- Add Fresh Herbs: I like to swap dried parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary when I have them on hand—adds a lovely fragrant touch.
- Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, sprinkling in a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder amps up the flavor delightfully.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with a drizzle of olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy; the chicken stays juicy with a slightly different richness.
- Seasonal Veggies: Layer in chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms to make this an all-in-one meal right in the slow cooker.
How to Make Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix and Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. I love doing this in advance because it lets me evenly coat the chicken breasts and infuse that seasoning all over. Don’t just sprinkle—give the chicken a little gentle rub so each piece gets a nice flavor boost.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Then place your seasoned chicken breasts right on top. You’ll notice how the broth creates a steamy environment that keeps the chicken tender during those long hours.
Step 3: Add Butter and Set the Timer
Slice the salted butter into small pieces and scatter them on top of the chicken breasts. This little trick is a game changer for adding richness and locking moisture inside. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 3 hours. I always use a meat thermometer to check readiness; you want your chicken to reach 165°F in the thickest part.
Step 4: Rest Before Slicing
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and cover loosely to keep warm. This rest period (about 10 minutes) allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat—key to achieving those clean, juicy slices you’re after.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: I pound my chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning so they cook uniformly and avoid dryness on thinner ends.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned early that guessing cook times in the slow cooker can dry out chicken, so always check internal temp for perfect doneness.
- Butter Boost: Adding butter on top helps seal flavors and maintain moisture, a trick I now swear by for juicy slow cooker chicken.
- Avoid Overcooking: Slow cookers vary, so start checking around 2.5 hours to prevent the chicken from turning rubbery.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe

Garnishes
I like topping the sliced chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of lemon zest to brighten the flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of your favorite salsa also adds nice contrast without overpowering the seasoning.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are garlic mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans. Even simple steamed rice or quinoa works beautifully to soak up any juices. When I’m feeling cozy, creamy mac and cheese alongside this chicken gets everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, I’ve sliced the chicken thinly and served it over fresh greens with cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette—an instant crowd-pleaser. Another time, I shredded leftovers into a warm pita with cucumber and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities here are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay juicy for up to 4 days. Slicing before storing helps portion control and makes reheating faster during busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap each breast or sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags. They last about 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight when I need a quick protein boost.
Reheating
To keep the chicken moist when reheating, I always warm it gently in a covered dish in the oven with a splash of broth or covered skillet on low heat. Microwave works too, but I suggest covering it to trap moisture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this slow cooker recipe?
While it’s possible, I don’t recommend starting with frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker because they can cook unevenly and increase the risk of food safety concerns. It’s best to thaw them fully before seasoning and cooking for even, juicy results.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the chicken breasts without overcrowding. You may need to increase cooking time slightly and check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
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What if I don’t have all the seasoning spices listed?
No worries! The seasoning blend is flexible. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the core essentials. You can skip or substitute dried parsley and onion powder with Italian seasoning or your favorite dried herbs for a different twist.
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How do I avoid dry chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
Here’s what I learned: avoid overcooking by checking the chicken around the 2.5-hour mark and adding butter on top before cooking really helps with moisture retention. Also, cooking on low rather than high ensures gentler heat and tender results.
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Can I shred this chicken for recipes like tacos or salads?
Definitely! This Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe produces tender chicken that shreds easily once cooked and rested. It’s perfect for tacos, salads, and sandwiches with a flavorful bite in every morsel.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it takes all the guesswork and fuss out of cooking chicken breasts. It’s that perfect blend of ease, flavor, and juicy texture that makes me want to cook it again and again. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family and I do—it really changes the game for slow cooker meals!
Print
Slow Cooker Juicy & Seasoned Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned chicken breasts every time. Ideal for salads, sandwiches, or simple dinners, it is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and slow cooking for enhanced flavor and moisture retention.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. This mixture will flavor the chicken evenly.
- Season the chicken: Rub both sides of each chicken breast thoroughly with the prepared seasoning blend to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Add chicken and broth to slow cooker: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the broth in a single layer to allow even cooking.
- Add butter: Cut the tablespoon of salted butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly on top of the chicken breasts to add richness and moisture during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy chicken.
- Rest the chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for moist slices.
- Slice and serve: After resting, slice the chicken as desired and serve for salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish.
Notes
- The slow cooker method ensures the chicken stays moist and tender without constant attention.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels while adding flavor and moisture.
- Resting the chicken before slicing makes for cleaner cuts and juicier texture.
- This recipe is versatile and works well in salads, wraps, or served alongside vegetables or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 5 oz)
- Calories: 157 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 451 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 79 mg