After doing a little bit of research (by little bit, I mean going to google,typing 5 words in the search barand opening the first 2 links) I have found out why chicken breasts aren’t the best choice of meat to cook in your slow cooker (see my previous post about the Greek chicken). I have known that it doesn’t turn out that great for a long time. But I’ve never really understood why. Now I do. I feel so empowered. Do you want me to explain it to you? Too bad, I’m going to anyway.
There’s two ways of cooking food–dry heat and moist heat. Dry heat includes baking, roasting, and grilling. Slow cookinguses moist heat. The slow cooker is best for meats that have a lot of connective tissue and that are very tough (and typically fairly inexpensive). The connective tissue is turned to gelatin after slow cooking in moist heat for several hours. 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.
So that is the science behind it. I hope this helps. Although chicken breasts don’t work that great in the slow cooker bone-in chicken works great. If you’re scared of bones use boneless, skinless thighs.
FAQs
Cook boneless chicken breasts in slow cooker on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours (based on a medium boneless chicken breast with a weight of 8 ounces). Be sure to add or subtract time if your piece of chicken is smaller or larger.
Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook chicken breast? ›
Although pressure cooking chicken and then pulling it is quicker than this slow-cook method, it doesn't allow the time required for the rich juices to seep in the meat.
What is the danger zone for slow cooker chicken? ›
A safe slow cooker, cooks slow enough for unattended cooking, yet fast enough to keep food out of the bacterial danger zone. In the danger zone (above 40°F to below 140°F), bacteria grows very rapidly.
Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›
Yes, chicken breast will get softer the longer you cook it. However, if you cook it for too long, it will become dry and tough. The best way to ensure that the chicken breast stays juicy and tender is to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in slow cooker? ›
We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.
How do you know when chicken breast is done in a slow cooker? ›
Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and registers an internal temperature of 165°F, 4 to 5 hours on the LOW setting, or 2 to 3 hours on the HIGH setting. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board or large plate. While the chicken is still warm, use 2 forks to shred the meat.
Does pressure cooking chicken longer make it more tender? ›
You can aim for firm but juicy chicken for cubing, or let it cook a little bit longer for tender shredded chicken. Instant Pot chicken breast is also as ingenious for meal prep (hello, more oven space!) as it is for weeknight dinners.
Is it possible to overcook chicken in a pressure cooker? ›
Do check the temperature often to avoid overcooking. If the pressure cooker has completely cooled down, you can heat it up before placing the chicken breast back in. Remember to turn off the heat before you place the chicken breast back in to avoid overcooking the exterior!
Why is my chicken breast tough in the slow cooker? ›
Aside from accidentally overcooking the meals, the most common reason we see for tough, rubbery, or overdone chicken is customers using a Crockpot that is far too big.
Can I leave chicken in crockpot for 12 hours? ›
Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours. If you want to avoid overcooking your dish, follow the given guidelines as closely as possible.
Water: you'll need just 1/2 cup of water to cook the chicken breast in your crockpot. You can also use chicken broth or even your favorite BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce as pictured below! Seasonings: feel free to stay neutral with salt and pepper, or try one of my favorite chicken marinades!
Is 4 hours on low enough for chicken? ›
A great rule of thumb is: 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.
How do chefs get chicken so tender? ›
Low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking are most effective when trying to create tender, succulent chicken.
Can I 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 is my crockpot chicken mushy? ›
Most of the time mushy Crock Pot chicken is a result of cooking it too long. As you cook meat, the collagen breaks down into a gelatin. The longer chicken is cooked, the more this process happens. Do it right and you have perfectly tender meat; too long and your chicken becomes mushy.
Is it better to cook chicken breast on high or low? ›
It's best to cook chicken breast at a moderate heat, neither too high nor too low, to ensure even cooking without drying it out. So, medium heat is generally recommended for cooking chicken breast.
Can I slow cook chicken breast for 8 hours? ›
You're going to compromise the texture of chicken a bit when you cook it for 8 hours in the slowcooker. It's going to be super tender, but not “sliceable”, so use this to your advantage and shred the meat using two forks and toss it with the cooking liquid.
How long do you cook on low in slow cooker? ›
How to use a slow cooker
Oven or stovetop | Slow cooker (high) | Slow cooker (low) |
---|
15 – 30 minutes | 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours | 4 – 6 hours |
30 – 45 minutes | 2 – 3 hours | 6 – 8 hours |
45 minutes to 3 hours | 4 – 6 hours | 8 – 12 hours |