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Best Never-Dry Overnight Crockpot Chicken Breast: Easy & Juicy

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Tired of dry, flavorless chicken? This overnight crockpot chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy meat every time. Set it before bed and wake up to perfectly cooked chicken for salads, sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 medium breasts)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, substitute for 1/4 cup broth)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl until evenly combined.
  3. Season the chicken on both sides with the spice mixture, rubbing it in gently.
  4. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the olive oil and lemon juice (if using) and stir briefly.
  5. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer, avoiding overlapping as much as possible.
  6. Add any optional aromatics (rosemary sprigs, smashed garlic cloves, etc.) around the chicken.
  7. Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to LOW. Do not use the high setting.
  8. Cook for 7-8 hours overnight. Check at 6 hours if your slow cooker runs hot.
  9. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the largest breast. It should reach 165°F.
  10. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer to a cutting board or large bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Shred or slice the chicken as desired. For shredding, use two forks to pull the meat apart.
  12. Optional: Strain and reserve the cooking liquid for soups or to moisten the shredded chicken later.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if needed. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are similar in size. If using frozen chicken, thaw first for best results. The chicken tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, overnight chicken, juicy chicken breast, meal prep chicken, never dry chicken, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/best-never-dry-overnight-crockpot-chicken-breast-easy-and-juicy/