best chicken slow cooker recipes ever

Best chicken slow cooker recipes ever.

Best chicken slow cooker recipes ever.

As autumn’s chill arrives, nothing beats the cozy smell of slow-cooked chicken. The thought of tender chicken in rich gravy makes your mouth water. These recipes are perfect for cozy dinners and easy gatherings, whether you’re experienced or new to cooking.

Essential Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken

Slow cooker chicken recipes are loved for their ease and delicious taste. Whether you’re making a slow cooker chicken cream of chicken soup or an easy crockpot chicken dish, a few key tips can make it perfect.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts

For slow cooker chicken, choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. These are best for keeping the meat moist and tender. Stay away from bone-in chicken, as it can get dry and tough.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Use a 2.5-4 quart slow cooker for the best results. Cook the chicken on low for 3-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature is at least 165°F before serving. Adding a bit of butter or margarine can also make it more flavorful and juicy.

Proper Food Safety Practices

Food safety is crucial when cooking chicken in a slow cooker. Always thaw frozen chicken before adding it. This ensures it cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature. Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker, as it can cause uneven cooking and safety issues.

By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked, juicy, and tasty slow cooker chicken cream of chicken soup and easy crockpot chicken dishes every time.

Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Sensation

Slow cooker recipes like the Honey Garlic Chicken are true gems. They are among the best chicken slow cooker recipes ever. This easy crockpot chicken dish has a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a favorite among families.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

The recipe’s magic comes from honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. You can try different twists like using maple syrup instead of honey. Adding freshly grated ginger is another great option. This dish lets you customize it to your liking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon chili paste.
  3. Pour the flavorful sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  4. Cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
  5. Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat it evenly.
  7. If the sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This crockpot chicken dish goes well with many sides. Try it over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. Add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a fresh Asian-inspired salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

crockpot chicken

Enjoy the best chicken slow cooker recipes ever with this easy and delicious Honey Garlic Chicken. Its sweet and savory flavors, along with tender chicken, make it a hit. Your family will ask for it again and again.

Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken with Creamy Sauce

Enjoy the rich, creamy taste of slow cooker chicken inspired by Tuscany. It’s perfect for any weeknight. The dish combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce made of heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting meal that will impress everyone.

This chicken gravy crockpot recipe is easy to prepare in just 10 minutes. Then, let your slow cooker do the work for 3 hours on low. If the sauce separates, a quick stir will fix it.

Enjoy this slow cooker chicken cream of chicken soup over pasta or with roasted veggies. It’s great for a complete meal. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for busy families.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)Amount
Calories393
Total Carbs9g
Net Carbs8g
Protein29g
Fat27g
Saturated Fat15g
Cholesterol159mg
Sodium712mg
Potassium823mg
Fiber1g
Sugar4g
Vitamin A1461IU
Vitamin C7mg
Calcium137mg
Iron2mg

This Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken with Creamy Sauce has a 4.95 out of 5 stars rating. It’s loved for its delicious flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a favorite in many families.

“The Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken was an absolute hit! The creamy sauce is so rich and flavorful, and the chicken turns out incredibly tender. This is going to be a regular in our dinner rotation.”

Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken Gravy Crockpot Mastery

Take your slow-cooked chicken dishes to the next level with the right gravy. Use the juices and drippings from your crockpot to make a rich, velvety gravy. Start with a strong chicken broth base and then thicken it to get the perfect consistency.

Creating the Perfect Gravy Base

Save the cooking liquid from your slow-cooked chicken. This broth, filled with the chicken’s essence and any added vegetables or seasonings, is the base for your gravy. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the gravy’s saltiness.

Thickening Techniques and Tips

To thicken the gravy, you have a few options. Mix cornstarch or flour with cold water or milk. Slowly add this slurry to the hot broth, stirring constantly until it thickens. Or, simmer the liquid in a saucepan to let the starches thicken it naturally.

Storage and Reheating Methods

Keep your gravy smooth by storing it in airtight containers, separate from the chicken. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of broth or water if it gets too thick. With these tips, you’ll master making chicken gravy in your crockpot, making your “best chicken slow cooker recipes ever” even better.

FAQ

What are the best chicken slow cooker recipes?

Explore a range of tasty slow cooker chicken recipes. Try honey garlic chicken, Tuscan chicken, and classic chicken breast dishes.

What tips should I follow for perfect slow cooker chicken?

Choose high-quality chicken, like boneless skinless thighs or breasts. Use a 2.5-4 quart slow cooker for best results. Cook on low for 3-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until it reaches 165°F.

Add a bit of butter or margarine for extra flavor and moisture. Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking. Always thaw frozen chicken before cooking for safety.

How do I make honey garlic chicken in the slow cooker?

Make a tasty sauce with honey, soy sauce, tomato paste, chili paste, garlic, and rice vinegar. Cook the chicken in this sauce for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Thicken the sauce with cornstarch. Shred the chicken and coat it with the sauce. Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy with sautéed veggies or Asian salads.

How do I make Tuscan-style chicken in the slow cooker?

Make a creamy Tuscan chicken dish in the slow cooker. Mix chicken breasts with heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Cook on low for 3 hours.

The sauce might separate, but stir it back together easily. Serve over pasta or with your favorite sides. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I make chicken gravy in the crockpot?

Use chicken broth and drippings from slow-cooked chicken as a gravy base. Thicken with cornstarch or flour mixed into cold liquid before adding to hot broth. For quick thickening, simmer the liquid until it reaches the right consistency.

Store gravy separately from chicken in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding more liquid if needed.