There’s something about the slow, steady embrace of a slow cooker that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine chicken breasts lounging in a creamy sauce, transforming into tender pieces of delight—it’s like magic happening in your kitchen while you, perhaps, binge-watch the latest season of your favorite series. Trust me, once you dive into these recipes, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating dinner time, every single time.
Steps
- Combine salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Use this mixture to season both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker and place the seasoned chicken breasts on top. Cut butter into small pieces and distribute them over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- For neat slices, remove the chicken to a cutting board, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 200-225 grams each)
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 628cal | Protein: 96g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 316mg | Sodium: 1804mg | Potassium: 1720mg | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 5.2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1.6mg
FAQ
- Can I cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker?
- It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker, as they may remain at an unsafe temperature for too long. Instead, thaw them by placing the chicken in a sealed bag in cool water for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- What size slow cooker is best for cooking chicken breasts?
- A 2.5-quart slow cooker is ideal for cooking 4 to 6 chicken breasts. This size helps ensure even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out by providing a bit of insulation.
- Do I need to sear the chicken breasts before placing them in the slow cooker?
- Searing chicken breasts before slow cooking is optional. While searing can add a layer of flavor, it doesn’t make a significant difference in this recipe, so feel free to skip it if you’re short on time.
- How can I add more flavor to the slow cooker chicken breasts?
- For added flavor, you can incorporate taco seasoning for chicken tacos or brush the cooked chicken with barbecue sauce. Feel free to experiment with other favorite sauces or seasonings as well.
- What is the secret to keeping the chicken breasts juicy?
- Adding a small amount of butter or margarine to the slow cooker can help keep the chicken breasts juicy. This adds a bit of fat which enhances the flavor and moisture, similar to chicken thighs.
Tips
- Opt for high-quality chicken breasts, even if they are frozen and on sale, as this can significantly affect the final taste and juiciness of the dish.
- Ensure your slow cooker is at least halfway full to prevent the chicken from cooking too quickly, which can lead to dryness.
- Adding a small amount of butter or margarine can enhance the flavor and juiciness of the chicken breasts, mimicking the richer taste of chicken thighs.
- Avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature of the chicken, aiming for 165 degrees F, and letting the chicken rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – A 2.5-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Cutting Board – For slicing the chicken after it is cooked.
