Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken that feels like chewing rubber? Prepare to revolutionize your meal prep with this incredibly simple Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe that guarantees juicy, mouthwatering results with minimal effort! Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who wants delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your ultimate game-changer. Using just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you'll create restaurant-quality chicken that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a dry seasoning blend.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a liquid base for cooking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer without overlapping.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook the chicken for 4 hours, which allows the meat to become tender and fully cooked without drying out.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Slice the chicken and serve with the remaining cooking liquid as a light sauce, or use in salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
Tips
- Always pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and promote even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker - arrange chicken in a single layer for consistent cooking.
- For extra flavor, try substituting chicken broth with white wine or adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to help redistribute juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If your chicken breasts are different sizes, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and is perfect for meal prepping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 165kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 90mg
