Crockpot Chicken Breast
Looking for an easy way to add lean and healthy protein to salads, casseroles, and other meals? I make this Crockpot Chicken Breast every week for this purpose, and it always comes out perfectly tender and juicy, not rubbery or dry. This cooking method is the easiest way to prep chicken breast, and no additional liquid is necessary!

After I posted this Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole last week, I got a ton of messages asking exactly how I make chicken breast in the crock pot. It is incredibly simple, and a total gamechanger for meal prep.
You can dice the breasts and make cranberry chicken salad or toss it in buffalo pasta, shred it and put it in a burrito or soup, or slice it and layer it in a grilled cheese. It’s extremely versatile and a quick way to make meals healthier and heartier.
It’s always nice to have the option of adding protein to whatever meal I’m making, and poultry works so nicely.
Why Use the Crock Pot?
Why make chicken breast in the crockpot, when there are much faster ways to make it? Because it makes for the most juicy and tender end result of any other cooking method I’ve tried.
I find that with other methods like baking, poaching, braising, and Instant Pot, it’s way too easy to overcook the meat and end up with rubbery, dry chicken!
Cooking slowly and gently makes a huge difference. Plus, it’s completely hands off and simple to get going.
Tips for Best Results
Do not open the lid – No matter what slow cooker you use, try not to take off the lid at all during cooking, as this dramatically lengthens cooking time. The general rule of thumb is every time you take the lid off, you’re adding 30 to 60 minutes of extra cooking.
Single layer is best – In order to not require any liquid, the chicken breasts will need to be in a single layer, each in contact with the crock pot. If you really want to do multiple layers, you will need to add broth to cover so the meat cooks evenly, but I don’t like this as much because it dilutes the seasonings.
Season to your liking – Often times, I will make this crockpot chicken breast simply with salt and pepper, as I intend to use it in other recipes where there is a dressing or sauce. However, feel free to season the meat however you’d like. If I’m throwing this into a Tortilla Soup, I might add a little Sazon Seasoning, or if I’m making Curry Chicken Salad, I might throw some curry seasoning on top while cooking.
Let the meat cool before shredding or cutting – Rest the meat for at least 10 minutes before shredding or cutting, otherwise the juices will run out, and the meat will be dry.
How to Make It Step by Step:
First, you’re going to take a 2lb package of boneless skinless chicken breasts, and snuggle them as evenly as you can into the bottom of your slow cooker:

Can you use other cuts?
Yes, but cook times will vary. Always check doneness with a thermometer.
Bone-in breasts – Add approximately one hour (4 hours total)
Boneless thighs – Subtract approximately one hour (2 hours total)
Bone-in thighs – Similar cooking time (3 hours total)
Now, sprinkle both sides with salt:

Grind some black pepper on both sides as well:

You may also add whatever seasonings you like. If I know I’m using the meat for something Mexican themed like tacos or burritos, I’ll sprinkle in some Taco Seasoning or Fajita Seasoning. You can sprinkle it on by eye.
Sometimes I do dried or fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme:

You may also add fats like butter or olive oil for flavor, or sauces like BBQ Sauce or Buffalo Wing Sauce, but know that it isn’t necessary at all. I usually choose not to.
Once you’ve sprinkled on the seasonings, put the lid on, and set the crock into the cooking unit.
Do You Need to Add Liquid?
As long as the breast pieces are in a single layer, in contact with the slow cooker, then no, it’s not necessary. If you’re doing multiple layers, you will need to add liquid to cover the meat, but I don’t recommend this. The seasonings won’t stick as well.
Cooking Time Required
How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the crockpot?
I find about 3 hours on low is just right, with one single layer, for the meat to fully cook through to 165F. This time may vary slightly with different brands of slow cookers, or with smaller versus larger breast pieces. Always check doneness with a thermometer.
The particular slow cooker I own is this 4-Quart Slow Cooker and it costs $15 (update: up until 2019, this only got up to $18. It’s now close to $50. The point of this was that you do not need an expensive unit to get the job done). Maybe one day I’ll get a more expensive one, but this unit does a great job and works for our small family.
If you have a different slow cooker, you can use a thermometer to test out how long your particular slow cooker needs to reach the proper temperature, but three hours on low should be close.
Serving Suggestions
Cooked chicken breast is one of the most versatile ingredients on earth. Here are a few ideas for using it.
Add to Soups – I like to shred the meat and then add it to Spinach Tortellini Soup, Quick Chicken Noodle Soup, and White Chili.
Make Greek-Style Quesadillas or add to a Brie Grilled Cheese.
Turn salads into a full meal by adding this to Caesar Salad (or Kale Caesar Salad), Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, or Wild Rice Salad.
Cut it up and use it for Waldorf Chicken Salad.
Shred it into Chicken Pot Pie or onto Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
Top it with Mango Salsa, Chimichurri Sauce, or Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.
Recipe FAQ
I recommend you do not use frozen, since it won’t cook evenly. Always thaw first. You can quick thaw the meat by placing in a plastic bag, squeezing the air out, and submerging in cool water for about 30 minutes.
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
I recommend moving it from the freezer to the fridge the day before you use it. That way you’re not adding extra heat to the meat and drying it out.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, store in the freezer.
Did you enjoy the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Or, follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest!

Crockpot Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For the Crockpot Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 lbs total)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- herbs, spices, fats, sauces, as desired optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. They should be in a single, even layer.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings, herbs, fats, or sauces that you like. See blog post for more commentary.
- Cook on low for approximately 3 hours* until the meat registers at least 165F on a digital thermometer.
- Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before shredding or cutting, otherwise the juices will run out of the meat. Then, it is ready to eat and be used in recipes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
Disclosure: this post contains an affiliate link.
140 Comments on “Crockpot Chicken Breast”
This recipe just changed my life!!! Seriously the most helpful advice I’ve ever read on a blog. I would never use chicken breast because it always came out so dry but following this recipe it was perfect!
Will try this today; have you done this recipe with some frozen vegetables underneath? I was thinking of adding frozen broccoli, but I’m not the best cook and wasn’t sure how to arrange the veggies if doable
I enjoy reading your reipes, Really need to make some Chicken Soup and will try the Chicken Breast in the Crock Pot………….
Thanks, Mary Hair
Thank you so much for this post!!!! I just started using my slow cooker to cook chicken breast (Welcome to the 60s mama:) but have been layering 6 breast – no wonder there isn’t even cooking.
Love
Thank you. I’m sure to love this recipe. Looking forward to more good onese
This is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing it. Question: Can frozen chicken breasts be used, or do they have to be thawed?
How long do I only cook( CP) one pound chicken? On low
Stellar chicken! Followed instructions, salted generously and it was so juicy and tender! Not rubbery or weird. 2 large breasts, 3 hours on low. Perfect!!! I only used salt so I can season as desired for various flavors/seasonings and utilize it in the next 3 days. This chicken is righteous!
Thanks for such good information! I have to eat a specific diet for health reasons and this is by far the best way I have found to cook chicken breast that doesn’t complicate my cooking or hurt my tummy. Thank you!
Have you ever used chicken breasts with skin and ribs?
Yes, those are fine here. A lot of times they are bigger, so you’ll need to add 30-60 minutes more of cook time typically.
Could I freeze this once shredded?
Yes definitely! Keep in airtight container for up to two months.