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Tender Overnight Crockpot Chicken Breast: Easy, Juicy, Best Recipe

overnight crockpot chicken breast - featured image

This tender overnight crockpot chicken breast recipe is proof that the simplest things are often the best. It’s forgiving, versatile, and consistently delivers the juiciest chicken you’ll ever make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the dry rub evenly on all sides. Massage the seasoning into the meat.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken (not directly on top).
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours overnight. Do not cook on HIGH.
  6. Check that the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
  7. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
  8. Shred the chicken with two forks or slice against the grain. For finer shreds, use a hand mixer on low speed.
  9. Reserve the cooking liquid. Pour a few tablespoons back over the shredded chicken to keep it moist.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during cooking. If chicken breasts are very large, cut them in half horizontally for even cooking. Use only ½ cup of broth; too much liquid will boil the chicken. For crispy edges, broil shredded chicken for 3-5 minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken breast, tender chicken, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken