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Easy Never-Dry Overnight Crockpot Chicken Breast for Kids

easy never-dry overnight crockpot chicken breast for kids - featured image

This overnight crockpot chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken every time with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families, it’s a hands-off method that yields versatile shredded chicken for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a single layer in a 6-quart crockpot.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken and rub in. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
  3. Pour chicken broth around the chicken (not directly on top) so it comes about halfway up the sides.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (overnight). Do not cook on HIGH.
  5. Turn off the crockpot and let the chicken rest in the liquid for 10 minutes.
  6. Transfer chicken to a cutting board or bowl. Shred with two forks or use a hand mixer on low speed.
  7. If serving immediately, return shredded chicken to the crockpot and toss with a little cooking liquid. If storing, let cool completely, then transfer to containers with some cooking liquid.

Notes

For frozen chicken, add ½ cup extra broth and cook on LOW for 10-11 hours. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Do not overcrowd the crockpot; keep chicken in a single layer. The 10-minute rest after cooking is crucial for moisture. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight crockpot chicken, never dry chicken, shredded chicken, kid-friendly chicken, slow cooker chicken breast, easy chicken recipe