Description
Discover how to make juicy slow cooker chicken breast in just minutes of prep. This step‑by‑step guide includes ingredients, tips, variations, and a full recipe card for a hassle‑free dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless
- skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion
- finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- minced
- 1 cup low‑sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup grape juice
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 carrots
- sliced into ½‑inch rounds
- 2 celery stalks
- sliced diagonally
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2‑3 minutes per side until lightly browned; this adds depth of flavor but does not fully cook the meat.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrot rounds, and celery slices around the meat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, grape juice, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables, then tuck the bay leaf into the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 hours. The gentle heat will break down connective tissue, keeping the chicken tender.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature; it should read at least 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred as desired.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and reduce by half. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition is approximate.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT6H
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Keywords: slow cooker chicken breast, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, crockpot chicken breast, healthy slow cooker meals, chicken breast recipes