Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken Breasts

by

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Garlic Herb Marinade

  • 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for slight sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 sliced onion
  • 1 cup baby potatoes
  • 1 cup carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers

🥄 Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs or fork

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps the seasoning stick better and improves the overall flavor.

Place the chicken on a plate or cutting board. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Rub the seasoning into the meat with your hands so every part is coated.

This simple spice blend builds the base flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine:

  • Italian dressing
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley

Whisk everything together until well mixed.

The dressing provides acidity and herbs, the oil keeps the chicken juicy, the garlic adds bold flavor, and the lemon brightens everything up. It’s a perfect balance.

Take a moment to smell it — it should already smell amazing!

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

If you are adding vegetables like onions, carrots, or potatoes, layer them underneath or around the chicken.

Now slowly pour the marinade evenly over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated. You can use tongs to turn the chicken once or twice so the sauce covers everything.

This step is exactly what you see happening in the image — that flavorful sauce soaking into the meat.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Cook:

  • LOW for 4–6 hours (best for juicy chicken)
    OR
  • HIGH for 2–3 hours (faster option)

Low and slow gives the most tender results.

Avoid opening the lid too often because heat escapes and increases cooking time.

While it cooks, the chicken absorbs all those herbs, garlic, and dressing flavors, becoming incredibly soft and moist.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The chicken is ready when:

  • Internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F
  • Meat easily shreds with a fork
  • Juices run clear

If you have a thermometer, use it for perfect results.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the chicken carefully using tongs. Spoon some of the cooking sauce over the top.

You can serve the breasts whole or shred them for tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for extra freshness.

🍽 Serving Ideas

This chicken is super versatile. Try serving it with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Garlic bread
  • Butter pasta
  • Salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Inside wraps or sandwiches
  • Tacos or burritos
  • Meal prep bowls

You can even shred leftovers and mix into soups or casseroles.

🔥 Pro Cooking Tips

⭐ Don’t overcook

Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long. Check early if your slow cooker runs hot.

⭐ Marinate longer

If you have time, marinate the chicken for 2–4 hours in the fridge before cooking for deeper flavor.

⭐ Sear first (optional)

For extra flavor, quickly brown the chicken in a hot pan before placing in the slow cooker.

⭐ Thicken the sauce

If you want a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the sauce. Cook 10 minutes more.

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Microwave or warm gently in a pan with a splash of broth.

This recipe is AMAZING for meal prep because the chicken stays juicy even after reheating.

🌿 Flavor Variations

Want to change things up? Try these:

Lemon Garlic

Add extra lemon juice and zest

Spicy Cajun

Use Cajun seasoning and hot sauce

Creamy

Add cream cheese or heavy cream at the end

BBQ

Replace dressing with BBQ sauce

Mediterranean

Add olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super easy
  • Only 10 minutes prep
  • Very juicy chicken
  • Healthy and high protein
  • Perfect for busy days
  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • One pot = easy cleanup

Honestly, it’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and then keep repeating every week because it’s THAT reliable.

Leave a Comment