Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe turns simple ingredients into tender, juicy, and utterly comforting white meat dinner with almost zero fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth use organic brand for clean flavor
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onion works wonders)
- 3 cloves garlic minced (fresh for best aroma)
- 2 carrots carrots peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds (or baby carrots)
- 2 stalks celery chopped (for that classic mirepoix base)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme sub fresh if you have a sprig or two
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a tiny smoky kick
- 1 bay leaf remove before serving
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon brightens every bite
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin for richness
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring regularly. Add garlic and thyme, cook another minute until fragrant.
- Spoon the softened veggies over the chicken in the Crockpot. Pour in chicken broth, then add lemon zest, bay leaf, and a squeeze of juice—being careful to catch any seeds.
- Cover and set on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer and pull apart easily with a fork.
- Remove chicken, shred gently with two forks, then return meat to the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice.
- Scoop into bowls, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and serve with crusty bread, rice, or buttery mashed potatoes. If you like a bit of heat, drizzle on your favorite hot sauce or chili crisp.
Notes
For extra veggies, toss in zucchini or bell pepper in the last hour of cooking. This recipe doubles easily—use a larger slow cooker and add 20 minutes to the cook time.
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