How long should you be cooking chicken in the Crockpot, specifically chicken breasts? You’ll be surprised at the answer!.
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
When you use a slow cooker, you cook food at low temperatures for a long time. This makes the chicken very tender while keeping its moisture. Chicken breast in particular can dry out easily if overcooked. This doesn’t happen with the slow cooker’s gentle heat, so you can leave the chicken to cook to perfection while you do something else.
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 kind you use, there are some rules you should follow to get it right.
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
If the chicken has too much fat, it will be greasy. Cut off any big chunks of fat before cooking. For bone-in breasts, leave the skin on.
3. Season Generously
Do not be shy about adding seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or paprika. 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.
When we cook a bigger recipe with chicken, it can take between 4 and 6 hours. But that’s it!.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts
FAQ
How long do chicken breasts take to cook in a slow cooker?
A slow cooker can cook chicken breasts for two to three hours on high heat or four to six hours on low heat. The exact time depends on the thickness of the chicken and the specific recipe.
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. On low, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will take about 6 to 8 hours to cook. On high, they will take about 3 to 4 hours.
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. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out if cooked above 165°F. When cooking breasts, you should 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.