Tender Never-Dry Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Lemon Herb Butter Sauce
A juicy, tender crockpot chicken breast recipe cooked low and slow with a bright, buttery lemon herb sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful without any fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Lemon zest from 1 large lemon (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the crockpot.
- Pour the lemon herb butter sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Add the remaining chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Check for doneness; if chicken seems dry, spoon some sauce over and cook an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully transfer chicken to a serving plate and pour any remaining lemon herb butter sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Do not open the crockpot lid frequently to keep moisture trapped and avoid drying out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest in the sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving. Searing chicken before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor and texture. Use low-sodium chicken broth for better salt control. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 280320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crockpot chicken breast, slow cooker chicken, lemon herb butter sauce, tender chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, juicy chicken, gluten-free, low-carb