What makes chicken tough in a crockpot cooking?

In addition, chicken breast has less fat and can become dry (chewy or rubbery) if cooked for too long . Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic.

How do you know if your crockpot chicken is done?

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with plenty of salt and pepper. Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F . Use chicken in your favorite recipes.

Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker ! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Why does chicken get rubbery in a slow cooker?

Rubbery chicken is usually an indicator of overcooked chicken. The longer the chicken cooks, the more moisture it loses, and without moisture, the protein fibers become elastic, AKA rubbery.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in crockpot?

Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results . I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early. On high, the chicken turns out drier; I consistently have the best results with low.

How long can you leave chicken in slow cooker on low?

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours . For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

Does chicken need to be covered in liquid in the crockpot?

When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock . Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and directions for best results.

Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it?

That is why tough meats become “fork tender” in the slow cooker . Chicken breasts have very little connective tissue; that means they can be cooked quickly because the long cooking time needed to soften connective tissue isn't necessary. They also have little fat, which means they can become dry if cooked too long.

Why is my chicken tough after I cooked it?

Overcooking leads to dry, tough, sawdusty meat with nearly no flavor . High doneness temperature for food safety. Salmonella is the food safety enemy in chicken that dies only at higher temperatures. But cooking chicken breast to an instant thermal-kill doneness temperature will cause it to dry out excessively.

How do you stop a chicken from being tough?

These strategies involve cooking with either liquid or steam , which can soften tough fibers in the chicken. If you want to fire up the grill or oven, you can still cook up a tender piece of meat. Just make a brine or marinade and let your chicken sit in there for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Garlicky Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)- Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

Home Recipes Dinner Chicken

3.52 from 190 votes

Slow cooker chicken recipes are great to have in your back pocket for those nights you know are going to be busy. Loaded with fresh garlic and sweetened by brown sugar, this Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken recipe is flavorful and family-friendly!

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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Cade and I used to make this slow cooker garlic chicken recipe when we first got married because it was so easy to make and there would be enough leftovers for the next night so that while we were busy in school I didn’t have to cook dinner every night.

Usually the best time for me to prep for dinner is in the morning while our girls are at school. That’s where Crockpot meals come in. I love them! They make dinner so easy and this slow cooker chicken recipe is super simple and makes the house smell delish!

I love easy, low maintenance meals and this slow cooker chicken with garlic sauce is perfect for a busy night where mouths need to be fed. You’re likely to have leftovers to have another night too. Winning!

Ingredients in Garlicky Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

To make this Crockpot chicken dinner, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Garlic
Kosher salt
Oregano
Brown sugar
Fresh parsley

How to Make Garlicky Slow Cooker Chicken

I hope you’re ready for how easy this is! All you need is 6 ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time.

Add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet over medium high heat and brown your salt and peppered chicken thighs on the skin side.
Once all your chicken is browned, add it along with the garlic, oregano and salt to the slow cooker.
Give everything a good mix leaving the chicken skin side up and then sprinkle the chicken with brown sugar.
Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. We like to top it with some fresh chopped parsley right before serving.

That’s it! Then in the evening when I’m mom taxi-ing all over the land, we can pop home for an hour or so and throw some dinner down before heading off to soccer or church activities.

FAQ

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

This easy slow cooker chicken recipe pairs perfectly with so many different sides! A few of our favorites include:

Brazilian coconut rice
Mashed potatoes
Lemon roasted broccoli
Roasted potatoes, green beans, and carrots
Steakhouse smashed potatoes
Greek orzo pasta salad
Broccoli salad

What is The Difference Between a Slow Cooker and a Crock Pot?

Crock pot has become sort of a generic term for all slow cookers. Technically, a Crock Pot is a specific brand of slow cooker. Both do the same thing, cook dishes low and slow with minimal attention. Either one works great for this recipe.

Can You Leave a Slow Cooker on When Not at Home?

We don’t watch the show, but we’ve heard the show This is Us caused quite the stir for Crock Pot and leaving them unattended. While it is probably safest to be home while the Crock Pot is running, the Crock Pot customer service assures that it is safe to leave it unattended while not at home. I’ve done it my whole life and never had an issue, but you just never know I guess!

Can You Overcook in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, it is possible though not likely if you have followed a recipe correctly. On most slow cookers, you can set a programmed cook time and then it will automatically switch to warm to keep everything nice and hot for your dinner.

Are Chicken Thighs Healthier Than Breasts?

Oh the age old debate! It depends on your definition of “healthier”. Both are great sources of lean protein. Chicken thighs are higher in calories and saturated fat (hello delicious flavor!) but they are about equal with breasts for number of calories. Chicken thighs are also much cheaper.

Does Kosher Salt Taste Different Than Table Salt?

No, there is no difference in taste. The main difference is texture and the lack of iodine and anti-caking agents found in table salt. We almost always use kosher salt or sea salt.

What Can You Substitute For Brown Sugar?

If you run out of brown sugar and then get in the middle of this recipe, just substitute it for equal parts white granulated sugar with a little molasses added. You’ll get the same delicious flavor. If you are looking to eliminate refined sugar altogether, try using honey or real maple syrup.

Tips for Making Crockpot Garlic Chicken

We prefer to use chicken thighs (bone in, skin on) for maximum flavor and the juiciest chicken.
Brown the chicken thighs first. This add so much flavor and color which makes it not only visually appealing but also scrumptious!
If you have the time, cook at a low temp for 8 hours. It makes the chicken so juicy and tender!

More Chicken Crockpot Meals:

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Crock Pot Cafe Rio Chicken
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot
Slow Cooker Pineapple Mexican Chicken
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
Chicken, Potato, Broccoli and Corn Chowder
Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Chicken
All our CROCKPOT and SLOW COOKER recipes here!

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

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3.52 from 190 votes

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 8 hours hrs

Total Time: 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Description

Loaded with fresh garlic and sweetened by brown sugar, this Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken recipe is flavorful and family-friendly.

Ingredients

8 Bone in, Skin on Chicken Thighs
12 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 teaspoons Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar, packed, plus 2 tablespoons
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a skillet over medium high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Salt and pepper the chicken and brown on the skin side.
8 Bone in, Skin on Chicken Thighs
Add the browned chicken, salt, oregano and garlic to the slow cooker.
3 teaspoons Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano, 12 Cloves Garlic
Mix everything together, leaving the chicken top side up.
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
Sprinkle on the brown sugar.
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
Cook on low for8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Notes

Storage:This garlic chicken will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 19gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 1022mgPotassium: 264mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: Mom's Best 100 Easy Chicken Recipes, Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas

Cuisine: American