Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes

Are you looking for an easy, delicious way to cook chicken breast that will leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds dancing? Look no further! This guide covers some of the best slow cooker chicken breast recipes that are perfect for beginners. These recipes are simple to follow, packed with flavor, and sure to become staples in your meal planning. Let’s dive in!

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for busy people who still want to enjoy homemade meals. They allow you to set it and forget it, meaning you can go about your day while your food cooks to perfection. Slow cooking also helps to tenderize meat, infusing it with rich flavors.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

1. Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
2. Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
3. Layer Ingredients Properly: Place the chicken at the bottom for even cooking.
4. Add Moisture: Ingredients like broth, sauces, and vegetables help keep the chicken moist.

Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Layer Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Top with sautéed garlic, lemon slices, thyme, and rosemary. Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove chicken from the slow cooker and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe 2: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked.
4. Thicken Sauce (optional): For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked pasta (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked.
4. Serve: Serve chicken with Alfredo sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Coleslaw and buns (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce in the slow cooker. Serve on buns with coleslaw if desired.

Recipe 5: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Tortillas, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Layer Ingredients: Place chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, and onion in the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes and fajita seasoning.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked.
3. Serve: Slice or shred the chicken and serve with tortillas, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken breast recipes are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. They require minimal prep work, cook to tender perfection, and are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving something tangy, sweet, creamy, or spicy, there’s a slow cooker chicken recipe here for you. Enjoy these easy-to-follow recipes and savor the delicious flavors they bring to your table!