Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
196 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
Description
The Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts slowly cooked with a mixture of chicken broth, melted butter (or olive oil), dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon quarters nestled around the meat. The combination of fat and citrus gently infuses into the chicken, keeping it moist and imparting subtle herbal and bright flavors. Cooking on high for 1.5 to 2 hours ensures the chicken reaches safe doneness without overcooking.
The chicken develops a tender texture from the gentle slow cooker heat and rests briefly before serving or storing. The recipe allows for seasoning adjustments and variations, with options to replace oregano with other herbs or use alternative fats. The chicken breasts can be stored whole and sliced or cut right before serving, making meal prep flexible.
This recipe suits busy cooks needing ready-to-eat chicken for sandwiches, salads, or main dishes. The slow cooker method frees hands for other tasks. Lemon adds a fresh acidity balancing the herbs and fat, making the chicken flavorful without heavy sauces. Leftovers maintain tenderness when reheated gently.
Substitutions such as water instead of broth or different seasonings are possible though will affect flavor depth. Avoid prolonged cooking on low to prevent stringy texture. Incorporating vegetables under the chicken during cooking can make it a one-pot meal. Overall, this recipe provides an easy way to prepare consistent, moist chicken breasts with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken stock preferably low sodium, or broth
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (use olive oil for dairy free/paleo)
- 1 tablespoon oregano divided, dried
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 lemon cut into quarters
- 4 chicken breast about 2-3 lbs, boneless skinless
Instructions
- In the bottom of a large slow cooker, mix together the chicken broth (1/2 cup), melted butter (2 tablespoons), and half of each of the dried oregano (1/2 tablespoon), kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon). Squeeze the juice out of the quarters of the lemon into the mix as well.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and, using tongs, coat each side of the chicken with the mixture. Nestle the juiced lemon quarters around the chicken breasts. Season the top of the chicken breasts evenly with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cover and cook on high for 1.5-2 hours. Check for doneness by making sure the internal temperature on the thickest part of the largest breast is 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Allow to cool for 10-20 minutes, then place in an airtight container to store whole. To slice, remove the chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board and tent with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain. If shredding, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts (directly in the slow cooker if tender enough, if not, remove to a cutting board and place back in the liquid in the slow cooker when done), and serve or store (with liquid) in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- Use water instead of chicken broth if necessary but increase the seasoning to maintain flavor.
- Substitute other dried herbs like Italian seasoning, thyme, or Greek seasoning for oregano according to preference.
- Butter can be replaced with olive oil for dairy-free or paleo versions, or omitted for a lower-fat dish.
- For a simpler version, omit oregano and lemon; season only with salt and pepper.
- Add sliced onions, minced garlic, or vegetables such as potatoes and green beans under the chicken to create a complete meal.
- Cooking on low for too long may cause the chicken breasts to become stringy; high setting for 1.5 to 2 hours is recommended.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 196 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 196kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 87mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 772mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 496mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 230IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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