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Tender Overnight Crockpot Chicken Breast: The Best Easy Recipe

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This tender overnight crockpot chicken breast recipe is the kind of thing that makes you look like a kitchen hero while you were literally asleep. It is forgiving, flexible, and delivers consistently good results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
  • 1 lemon, halved (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim off any visible fat or gristle. Place them in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and rub it in gently.
  3. Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the chicken (not directly on top). If using, tuck the bay leaves, smashed garlic, or lemon halves into the broth around the chicken.
  4. Put the lid on your crockpot. Set it to Low. Cook for 8 to 10 hours.
  5. In the morning, turn off the crockpot. Remove the bay leaves, lemon halves, and smashed garlic cloves if used. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken right in the pot. Alternatively, use a hand mixer on low speed for 20 to 30 seconds.
  6. Stir the shredded chicken into the cooking juices to keep it moist. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or let it cool for storage.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during cooking. If your crockpot runs hot, check the chicken after 6 hours. For best results, use chicken breasts of similar thickness. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, overnight chicken, shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken, tender chicken breast

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