Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner Ever!
Life is busy, and finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can often feel impossible. That’s where this Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight comes in! This recipe is incredibly easy, requires minimal effort, and delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this is your new go-to for a family-friendly dinner. It’s so simple, yet so satisfying – the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Perfect for those trying to follow simple chicken crockpot recipes. This will be a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight
- Super Easy: Just dump the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the work!
- Healthy & Lean: Uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a low-fat, high-protein meal. Ideal for those seeking healthy crockpot recipes.
- Versatile: Pairs well with almost any side dish you can think of.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the tender, flavorful chicken.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into pats
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, use a can of coconut milk (full fat) or dairy-free cream of chicken soup.
- Want to add veggies? Toss in some chopped onions, carrots, or celery.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for even easier cleanup.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add the Butter: Place the pats of butter on top of the chicken and soup mixture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. Internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken breast can become dry. Check it periodically toward the end of the cooking time.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetarian: While this is a chicken dish, explore other vegetarian crockpot recipes for meat-free options!
- Keto: For a keto crockpot recipes friendly version, use a cream cheese base instead of cream of chicken soup and ensure your Italian dressing mix is sugar-free.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight pairs perfectly with so many side dishes!
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
- Rice: Serve over white, brown, or even cauliflower rice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great choices.
- Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for an easy and satisfying meal. Great for crockpot pasta recipes.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad adds a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.
FAQ about Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time. For best and safest result follow proven recommendations on safely thawing meat at home.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Add chopped carrots, celery, onions, or potatoes during the last couple hours of cooking for a complete meal. This would also work with different crockpot soup recipes if you add extra liquid.
Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. Just be aware that they may require slightly longer cooking time. Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thigh recipes crockpot options. Look great recipes that fit that criteria.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
A: Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Ideal for creating high protein crockpot recipes.
Q: Is this recipe considered as one of the recipes from the easy crockpot chicken recipes list?
A: Sure is! It’s one of the easiest and most delicious recipes to enjoy.
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight
This Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly versatile. Plus, the minimal effort required means more time for you to relax and enjoy time with your family. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for future use, and be sure to leave a comment letting me know how it turned out! And if you love easy and delicious recipes like this one, subscribe to my blog for more culinary inspiration!
Crockpot Chicken Breast Delight
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Small bowl
- Forks
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5-2 lbs
Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom for richer flavor, 10.75 oz
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix 1 oz
- 1/4 cup butter cut into pats
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Optional Substitutions and Additions
- coconut milk or dairy-free cream of chicken soup dairy-free option
- vegetables chopped onions, carrots, or celery, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easier cleanup.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Pour mixture over chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the Seasoning: Sprinkle dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add the Butter: Place pats of butter on top of chicken and sauce mixture.
- Cook: Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary, ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred chicken directly in crockpot.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
