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Tender Never-Dry Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe with Lemon Herb Butter Sauce Made Easy

tender never-dry crockpot chicken breast - featured image

A foolproof crockpot chicken breast recipe that stays juicy and tender, featuring a bright and flavorful lemon herb butter sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners without the dryness common in slow-cooked chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g), uniform size
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or stock
  • Optional garnishes: extra fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, thin lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and chicken broth until smooth and aromatic. (5 minutes)
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they do not overlap. (2 minutes)
  4. Slowly pour the lemon herb butter sauce over the chicken, coating each piece evenly. (2 minutes)
  5. Cover and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. (3-4 hours)
  6. Check for doneness about 3 hours in using a meat thermometer. If not done, continue cooking for another 30 minutes and check again. The chicken should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. (5 minutes)
  7. Transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the lemon herb butter sauce over the top. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or thyme and thin lemon slices. (5 minutes)
  8. Optional: If the sauce is thin after cooking, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes to thicken.

Notes

Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain moisture. If sauce separates, whisk butter while warm before mixing. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. If sauce is thin after cooking, simmer on stove to thicken. Can be cooked in oven at 325°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes covered with foil as an alternative method.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken breast, slow cooker chicken, lemon herb butter sauce, juicy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, tender chicken, gluten-free, dairy-free option