Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of chicken breast crockpot recipes! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like throwing a few ingredients into a crockpot and letting it work its wonders while you go about your day. This recipe is a favorite in my household because it’s not only super simple but also low-fat, making it a guilt-free option for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I made this dish; my family came home to the most mouthwatering aroma wafting through the house. We all gathered around the table, and the shredded chicken was an absolute hit! It’s tender, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with just about anything. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, let’s get those chicken breasts in the crockpot! Lay them in the bottom of the pot in a single layer. This way, they’ll cook evenly and soak up all those delicious flavors. If they’re too crowded, they might not get that tender texture we’re after. So, give them some space and make sure they’re nice and snug in there!
Making the Mixture
Now, in a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the magic mixture! Combine the 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed—this is where the flavor starts to shine!
Cooking the Chicken
Once your mixture is ready, pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. No peeking, okay? Just trust the process! If you’re unsure if it’s done, the chicken should be tender and easily shreddable—just poke it with a fork to check!
Shredding and Serving
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken back to the pot and mix it with those flavorful juices. Serve it warm over rice, with veggies, or even in a salad for a delightful meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional breakdown for this delicious chicken breast crockpot recipe! Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 8g of fat (1.5g saturated), 40g of protein, and just 2g of carbohydrates. Plus, it has only 1g of sugar and 600mg of sodium. Remember, these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this flavorful dish guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, just be aware that you’ll need to increase the cooking time. For the low setting, aim for about 8 hours instead of 6-7, and for high, try around 5 hours instead of 3-4. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. It’ll still turn out delicious!
What can I serve with this dish?
This shredded chicken is super versatile! I love serving it over fluffy rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also toss it in a fresh salad or use it as a filling for tacos. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Can I adjust the spices?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot!
- Tender, juicy chicken that packs a flavorful punch.
- Versatile enough to pair with rice, veggies, or salads.
- Low-fat and healthy, perfect for any day of the week.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken breast crockpot recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the searing step—browning the chicken in a pan for a few minutes adds extra flavor. Secondly, feel free to experiment with herbs and spices; they can completely change the dish! Lastly, always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after shredding to soak up those juices before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place any shredded chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist while warming. Heat until piping hot, and you’ll be ready to dig in again—delicious!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your chicken breast crockpot dish, I love serving it with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up all those wonderful juices beautifully! You could also whip up some roasted vegetables, like carrots and broccoli, for a colorful and nutritious plate. And don’t forget a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette; it adds a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Yum!
Print
Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes: 5 Simple Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for chicken breast cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to the crockpot and mix with juices.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken breast crockpot recipes
