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juicy overnight crockpot chicken breast - featured image

Juicy Overnight Crockpot Chicken Breast: The Best Easy Dinner

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

This overnight crockpot chicken breast recipe delivers impossibly tender, shreddable chicken with minimal effort. Simply season, set, and forget for a hands-off dinner that’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim any visible fat. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the smashed garlic cloves and bay leaves in the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the crockpot.
  4. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, not directly on top, so the liquid comes about halfway up the sides.
  5. Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and onion powder evenly over the chicken. Drizzle the olive oil over everything.
  6. Put the lid on and set the crockpot to LOW. Cook for 6-8 hours (7 hours is ideal for overnight cooking).
  7. Do not open the lid during cooking.
  8. In the morning, check for doneness: the chicken should shred easily with tongs. If still firm, cook another 30 minutes on LOW.
  9. Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Discard the bay leaves and garlic cloves. Shred the chicken with two forks or a hand mixer on low speed.
  10. Optional: Stir the butter into the shredded chicken while still warm.
  11. Reserve the cooking liquid for soup, rice, or to moisten the chicken when storing.

Notes

For best results, use air-chilled chicken breasts. Do not overcook; 6-7 hours on LOW is the sweet spot. If chicken breasts are very large, cut them in half horizontally for even cooking. The chicken tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 ounces
  • Calories: 185
  • Sodium: 320
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 1
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: crockpot chicken, overnight chicken, slow cooker chicken, juicy chicken breast, easy dinner, meal prep chicken, shredded chicken

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/juicy-overnight-crockpot-chicken-breast-the-best-easy-dinner/