Cooking chicken breast in a slow cooker is a great way to enjoy juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort. But nailing the timing is essential for getting the best texture and doneness. So how long should you cook chicken breast in a slow cooker? After extensive research and testing, I’ve determined the ideal timing and techniques for perfect slow cooker chicken breast.
The Basics of Slow Cooking Chicken Breast
Slow cookers work by cooking food at low temperatures over longer periods of time. This allows the chicken to become very tender while retaining moisture. Chicken breast in particular can dry out easily if overcooked. The gentle heat of the slow cooker helps prevent this, allowing you to walk away while the chicken cooks to perfection.
Cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the breasts, the specific slow cooker, and other ingredients added. But in general, bone-in chicken breasts take a little longer than boneless. Here are the average time ranges:
- Boneless chicken breast:
- On LOW: 6-8 hours
- On HIGH: 3-4 hours
- Bone-in chicken breast:
- On LOW: 7-9 hours
- On HIGH: 4-6 hours
No matter what type you use, there are some best practices you should follow to nail the execution.
Tips for Cooking Moist, Flavorful Chicken Breast in a Slow Cooker
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Chicken
The better the raw ingredients the better the finished dish will be. Look for chicken that is organic and free range for maximum flavor and texture.
2. Trim off Excess Fat
Too much fat can make the chicken greasy Trim off any large pieces of fat before cooking Leave the skin on for bone-in breasts,
3. Season Generously
Don’t be shy with seasoning! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika – all are great options. Season both sides before cooking.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
For even cooking, chicken breasts should lay flat and not be packed in too tightly. Cook in a single layer if possible.
5. Add Liquid
A small amount of broth, wine, or even water will help keep the chicken moist. About 1/2 – 1 cup of liquid is usually sufficient.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer
This is crucial for food safety and proper doneness, Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F Check in a few thick spots
7. Let it Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute evenly. This helps prevent dryness.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Once you have the basics down, it’s easy to adapt recipes to the slow cooker. Here are two of my favorite ways to cook chicken breast.
Simple Seasoned Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 3-4 bone-in chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon each salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Rub chicken all over with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings onto both sides.
- Place chicken into slow cooker and add broth.
- Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Slider buns or rolls (for serving)
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce and vinegar. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken using two forks.
- Pile shredded chicken onto buns and enjoy!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken
Storage
- Refrigerate leftover chicken for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze chicken for 2-3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave, stir frying, or baking at 300°F work well.
- Add a bit of broth, sauce, or water to keep the chicken moist.
By mastering the ideal timing and techniques, you can enjoy fool-proof slow cooker chicken breast. Experiment with different seasonings and recipes to find your new favorite way to cook this healthy, delicious staple.
Should I cook chicken on high in the crockpot?
Here’s another surprising thing. Don’t shoot the messenger.
But, do not cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts on HIGH unless you like overcooked, dried out, tough meat. Always cook on LOW.
I know. It’s sad. It’s hard. But it’s true.
Like you, I love the idea of putting a meal in the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a dinner ready to eat.
While cooking on high DOES work for certain cuts of beef and pork in recipes like our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, Crispy Carnitas, or French Dip Sandwiches it simply does not work with chicken. If you cook chicken all day (or on HIGH), it will be dry-dry-dry.
I know, I’m broken-hearted, too. But I love you too much to not share the truth and the thermometer doesn’t lie.
How long to cook chicken breasts in the crockpot?
Prepare yourself. What I am about to tell you is either going to crush your slow cooker dreams OR bring much enlightenment to your soul.
With the exception of larger recipes (like 8+ servings), It only takes 2.5-3.5 hours on LOW for boneless, skinless chicken breast to be fully cooked in the slow cooker.
I kid you not. While writing our cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker, we have been methodically testing chicken breast recipes by taking the internal temperature with our trusted meat thermometer (pic below) at different points during the cooking time.
Over and over AND OVER again, we have found that chicken breast registers at 165° F (the FDA recommended safe temp) right around 3 hours on LOW. Sometimes less, sometimes more depending on the size of the breast or other ingredients in the slow cooker.
If you are cooking a larger recipe with chicken in it, we have found that it can take 4-6 hours. But that’s it!
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
FAQ
How long do chicken breasts take to cook in a slow cooker?
How long to cook chicken breast in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for chicken breast in a slow cooker will depend on the size and thickness of the breast, as well as the desired level of doneness. Generally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will take around 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours to cook on high.
How do you cook chicken breast in a crockpot?
Learn my tips for getting the best crockpot chicken breast, perfect for salads, sandwiches or an easy dinner. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, parsley, garlic, pepper, onion powder and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and add the chicken breasts.
What temperature should a slow cooker cook chicken?
Regardless of the cooking method, chicken must reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Yet you don’t want chicken breasts to cook over 165°F or they tend to dry out, so when cooking breasts you’ll want to know how fast or slow your slow cooker cooks and keep a close eye on it.
How do you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
1. Layer the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. 2. Season the chicken breasts and place them on top of the vegetables. 3. Pour the chicken broth over the top. 4. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. 5. Shred the chicken and mix with the vegetables before serving. 2. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
How do you make chicken tender in a slow cooker?
Pounding the chicken breast with a meat mallet can help break down the fibers and make it more tender. Adding liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth or sauce, can help keep the chicken breast moist and tender. Overcooking the chicken breast can make it dry and tough.
How long do you cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker?
Bone-in thighs – Similar cooking time (3 hours total) Whole chicken – Low setting for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Make sure that most of the meat is in contact with the bottom of your slow cooker. This is important for the most evenly cooked, juicy slow cooker chicken breast or thigh meat.