Slow Cooker Chicken

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Creamy Sauce

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken better flavor.

2. Season generously
In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and dried parsley. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

3. Build the slow cooker
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top.

4. Add the flavorful liquid
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken, then add the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Slow cook
Cover and cook:

  • LOW: 3–4 hours
  • HIGH: 2–3 hours

Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken. Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest the chicken
Carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps retain the juices.

7. Make it creamy — optional
For a creamy version, whisk the softened cream cheese and heavy cream together. Stir into the hot cooking liquid in the slow cooker, then add Parmesan. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.

8. Finish and serve
Slice or shred the chicken and spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Rice
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Green beans
  • Egg noodles
  • Crusty garlic bread
  • A fresh green salad

🔥 Tips for Juicy Chicken

  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker.
  • Use chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Avoid repeatedly opening the lid while cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
  • Let the chicken rest before cutting.
  • For especially thick breasts, consider cutting them horizontally into thinner pieces.

🧊 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a little chicken broth or sauce to help keep the chicken moist.

Freezing: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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