If you’re looking for a simple, yet delicious, healthy comfort food recipe, this Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast is your new go-to. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a stress-free, easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, this recipe is here to make life easier. With a perfect blend of tender chicken, a flavorful herb crust, and the magic of slow cooking, this dish is a winner every time. Plus, it’s versatile, adaptable, and works wonders for meal planning, whether you’re looking for quick family meals or high-protein meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something about the slow cooker that makes everything better. Maybe it’s the way it infuses the flavors, or how it guarantees juicy, tender meat every time. Whatever it is, this recipe takes all the hard work out of cooking. You just mix up a simple herb paste, rub it on the chicken, and let the slow cooker do its thing.
The end result? Moist, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. You can serve it whole, shred it for tacos, or slice it for sandwiches. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole family.
Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly, making it ideal for those nights when you need something tasty without breaking the bank. And it’s so customizable—you can switch up the herbs or spices depending on what you have in your pantry. Truly, it’s a recipe that works for meal prep or a last-minute dinner.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What makes this slow cooker herb-crusted chicken breast so special? It’s the combination of convenience, flavor, and tenderness. When you slow cook chicken breasts, you’re keeping all the moisture inside, which ensures the chicken never dries out. But add a layer of herbs and seasonings, and you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with savory, aromatic flavor.
Not to mention, this recipe is a perfect high-protein meal that’s also keto-friendly, gluten-free, and incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re on a keto meal plan, need a high-protein ready meal, or just want to cook something healthy and filling, this chicken is the answer.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Dried herbs: thyme, basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Seasoned salt or salt & pepper
- Optional: liquid browning sauce or extra spices
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Herb Paste: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, your choice of dried herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will form a fragrant herb paste that you’ll coat the chicken breasts with.
- Coat the Chicken: Rub the herb paste evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Make sure to get every nook and cranny—this paste is packed with flavor and will make the chicken irresistible!
- Place in the Slow Cooker: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in your 5–6 qt slow cooker. For a little extra moisture, you can add ½ cup of chicken broth or stock, but it’s not necessary if you’re in a hurry.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on HIGH for 2–3 hours or on LOW for 4–5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, you can serve it whole, sliced, or shredded. So easy!
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid Overcooking: It’s crucial to check the internal temperature. The chicken should hit 165°F. Anything more can make it dry and tough.
- Don’t Skip the Browning Sauce: While optional, liquid browning sauce adds a beautiful color to the crust, which makes the dish even more appetizing.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your preferences. Swap rosemary for thyme, or use poultry seasoning if you want something extra savory. You can even add a little cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Add Broth for Juicier Chicken: While you can skip the broth, it does help keep the chicken moist and creates a delicious base for any gravy if you want to make one.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Bone-In or Skin-On Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use that instead of boneless breasts. Just keep in mind it will take a little longer to cook (about 5–6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH).
- Lemon-Herb Twist: Add some lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the herb paste for a refreshing twist.
- Savory Gravy: After cooking the chicken, you can use the pan juices to create a quick gravy. Just strain the juices and thicken them with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne to the herb paste for a spicy, flavorful crust.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you’ve got fresh herbs on hand, go ahead and use them in place of dried. Just use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast is incredibly versatile, so here are some high-protein, low-fat sides and accompaniments that pair beautifully with it:
- Roasted Vegetables: Try a medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with your favorite seasonings.
- Cauliflower Rice: If you’re following a low-carb meal plan or doing keto, cauliflower rice is a fantastic side to complement this dish.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: For a comforting, slightly sweet side, mashed sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with the savory chicken.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a balanced contrast. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
- Sides: For a high-protein meal, serve with quinoa or brown rice. Roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach make for healthy, nutrient-packed sides that’ll complete the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: If you want to keep it for longer, shred the chicken and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat it up in a covered dish for 1–2 minutes per portion.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for 10–15 minutes until warm and juicy.
- Skillet (for shredded chicken): Reheat in a skillet with a little chicken broth to restore moisture.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Meal Prep: You can prep the chicken ahead of time by seasoning it the night before and storing it in the fridge. The next day, just pop it in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish is ideal for freezing. Just cook the chicken, shred it, and store it in individual portions in the freezer for easy high-protein high-calorie meals on the go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly for the best results. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s better to do it in batches.
- Skipping the Rest Time: After cooking, always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the chicken moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to add an extra hour of cook time and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
What can I serve with this chicken?
Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad are all great choices. For a high-protein meal, try quinoa or brown rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you omit any gluten-based seasonings or sauces, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook it in an Instant Pot on the slow cook setting, but keep an eye on the time. It will cook faster than in a traditional slow cooker, so start checking after 2 hours on low.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (5–6 qt)
- Small bowl for mixing the herb paste
- Meat thermometer to check the internal temperature
- Airtight containers for leftovers
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! This Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast is an easy, healthy, and tasty dinner option that you
’ll make again and again.
Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the herb paste evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. If desired, add 1/2 cup chicken broth for extra moisture.
- Set the slow cooker on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken whole, sliced, or shredded, depending on your preference.
