Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast

Unlock the secret to mouthwatering chicken with our slow-cooker bone-in chicken breast recipe. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that’s ideal for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts or anyone craving a delicious homemade dinner without the fuss.

With five minutes of prep time, you’ll set the stage for a meal that slow-cooks to perfection while you go about your day. Plus, the versatility of our seasoning blend means you can easily tweak it to suit your palate or experiment with new flavor combinations.

Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast Ingredients

• Bone-in chicken breast halves: The star of the dish, bone-in cuts of chicken tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier during slow-cooking.
• Olive oil: A tablespoon of olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and adds a touch of richness.
• Herbs and spices: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried basil and pepper creates a flavorful crust on the chicken. Adjust the herbs to your taste preferences.
• Seasoned salt: Seasoned salt adds depth of flavor beyond regular salt. If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can substitute it with regular salt and a pinch of your favorite herbs. Here’s how to make your own seasoned salt at home.
• Browning sauce: While optional, browning sauce adds color and a hint of smokiness that’s reminiscent of molasses. If you don’t have it, you can omit it without significantly affecting the final taste of the chicken.
• Chicken broth: A small amount of chicken broth creates steam in the slow cooker, helping keep the chicken moist. Here’s our list of the best chicken broth brands.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the seasoning

TASTE OF HOME

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, seasoned salt, dried thyme, dried basil and pepper. If using, stir in the optional browning sauce.

Step 2: Season the chicken

TASTE OF HOME

Rub the prepared seasoning mix all over the bone-in chicken breasts, coating them evenly.

TASTE OF HOME

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into a 5-quart slow cooker.

Editor’s Tip: For crispy skin, brown the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the broth and cook

TASTE OF HOME

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it coats the bottom and slightly surrounds the chicken. Cover and cook on low for four to five hours, or until the chicken is tender.

Editor’s Tip: Avoid removing the lid while cooking as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.

JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast Variations

• Add some lemon and herbs: Add sliced lemons and sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for a zesty twist to these bone-in chicken breasts.
• Make it barbecue: Brush the chicken breast with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last hour of cooking for a tangy southern-style variation.
• Add more garlic: Garlic lovers will delight in adding extra minced garlic or garlic cloves to the slow cooker for a more intense garlic taste.
• Turn up the spicy southwestern flavors: Replace the herb mix with a blend of chili powder, onion, cumin, oregano and smoked paprika to give these chicken breasts a southwestern flair.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast

Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container along with any remaining cooking juices. Store in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze slow-cooker bone-in chicken breast?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked slow-cooker bone-in chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to cool completely then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do you reheat slow-cooker bone-in chicken breast?

To reheat, place the bone-in chicken and any leftover juices in a covered dish in a 300°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the leftovers covered in the microwave, using 50% power to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast Tips

JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can I put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, slow cookers are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroy bacteria, making slow-cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker too!

How long does it take to cook chicken in a slow cooker?

A slow cooker will cook a chicken breast to 165° in about four hours on the low setting.

How do I keep my slow-cooker bone-in chicken breast from drying out?

We recommend adding 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the slow cooker. Not only will this help prevent the bottom from burning during the long cooking process, but the broth will keep the lean meat from drying out. You should also avoid overcooking the chicken as this can make it tough and dry.

Should I sear the slow-cooker bone-in chicken breast before cooking?

Searing the chicken before slow-cooking can enhance the flavor and color of the overall dish by creating a caramelized crust. While it’s not necessary, if you have the extra time, we recommend this additional step.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use boneless chicken breast here. You’ll have to adjust the cooking time, as boneless chicken breasts cook faster—in just three to four hours on low. A good way to prevent the chicken from overcooking is to use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.

What can I serve with slow-cooker bone-in chicken breasts?

Pair this recipe for bone-in chicken breasts in the slow cooker with a side of mashed potatoes or a platter of roasted vegetables. You can also shred leftovers of the chicken and use it in tacos, salads or sandwiches for lunch any day of the week.