crockpot chicken

What are some recipes that just become staples in your kitchen, aren’t there? Ones you can whip up with your eyes half-closed, that always get rave reviews, and that just feel like a good thing. What is like a warm hug on your plate? What’s your favorite Crockpot Chicken Recipe? What’s for dinner? What is a crockpot chicken? What is the ultimate lifesaver? I’m so busy I can’t even get out the door before I go to work. I know it’s so easy to get things done. Come home to the most amazing aroma filling the house. I’m a picky eater, and it’s far more satisfying than any takeout I could order. Is there a single person who devours it every single time Is it just chicken?

What is my go-to crockpot chicken recipe?

What exactly is this magical crockpot chicken? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, reinvented for your Slow Cooker. What are chicken thighs that have been simmered away with a fork? What is the most aromatic sauce? The beauty of it is how versatile the flavor profile is. What is chicken infusing with chicken? Layers of goodness that cook down into a luscious, spoon-licking sauce. Is it the kind of meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, which is pretty much basically the same as a steak? My culinary dream has come true. It’s not fancy, it’s no complicated, but it’ s profoundly comforting and deeply satisfying. What happens when you let time and a little bit of love do all the hard work for you?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this crockpot chicken has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I’m absolutely convinced you’ll feel the same way! First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. The chicken comes out so incredibly tender, it practically melts in your mouth, and that sauce? Oh, that sauce is something special. It’s rich, it’s savory, with just a hint of sweetness that makes everything sing. What I love most, though, is the sheer simplicity. Seriously, you just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. It’s a lifesaver on those days when you have a million things going on and the last thing you want to worry about is making a complicated dinner. Plus, it’s remarkably budget-friendly! Chicken thighs are usually quite affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. This means you get an absolutely delicious, home-cooked meal without breaking the bank. And the versatility! This crockpot chicken is amazing served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even tossed with pasta. You can even shred it and use it for sandwiches or tacos. It truly is a chameleon in the kitchen, adapting to whatever you’re craving. It’s definitely a step up from my basic Baked Chicken, and my kids actually ask for this specific crockpot chicken all the time, which is the ultimate testament to its deliciousness!

How do I make crockpot chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make a crockpot chicken? What are some good spices for chicken? What are the secret ingredients that help thicken and enrich the sauce as it cooks? Everything goes into the Slow Cooker for several hours, allowing the chicken to become fall-apart. What are the flavors that meld so beautifully? What is the result? A succulent, perfectly cooked chicken with an incredibly rich, glossy sauce that’s perfect for a family of four. Is it good to spoon your favorite side? It’s the definition of effortless cooking, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

What are some ingredients to make a Crockpot Chicken? Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your pantry!

For the Chicken: What are some of
1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs because they stay incredibly moist and flavorful, but breasts work wonderfully too if you trim off any excess fat. Just be mindful they can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on them.
1 tablespoon olive oil: 2 tablespoons. (C Just a touch to help sear some flavor if you choose to, or to keep things from sticking.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, of course. Don’t be shy with seasoning!

For the Flavor Base: Why is there a
1 cup chicken broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness.
How do I add umami depth to tamari? What are some good gluten-free alternatives to Tamari?
What is the best way to balance savory notes? 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Maple syrup gives a slightly different flavor profile.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: This adds a nice tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
Why is garlic so good? Freshly minced is always best.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil. This adds a subtle herbaceousness.

For Thickening (Optional, but recommended): For Th
2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder: 1 tablespoon. Mix with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. What is the secret of a perfectly glossy sauce?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

What are some good ways to pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is a small step, but it really helps to get better sear if you choose to do that first, and it’s good to have it. How do you make your seasonings stick better? Lightly season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you have a few extra minutes and want an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken. Is it safe to fry meat in a hot skillet with olive oil? Is it necessary to cook chicken in a crockpot? How do I cook chicken in a slow cooker? I usually arrange them in a single layer as best I can.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, and salt. Set aside. Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning. Make sure everything is well combined. If you like it a bit saltier, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt. If you prefer honey sweeter, a touch more honey works wonders This is your chance to tailor the flavor to your liking!

Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot

In a slow cooker, pour the flavor base evenly over the chicken. If chicken is submerged in liquid, make sure it is not sucking. If you’re using chicken breasts, you might want to add a bit more broth to ensure they cook properly. Don’t dry out. Cover the crockpot with the lid.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and whether you used thighs or breasts. The chicken is done when it’s incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. I usually check it around the 5-hour mark on low, just to be sure, especially if I’m using breasts.

How do you thicken the sauce?

Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove the pieces from the slow cooker and set aside. Place them on a plate. If you want a thicker, glossier sauce, whisk together the cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and cold water. In a small bowl, whisk together water and salt until smooth. How do I stir the slurry in a slow cooker? What are the remaining ingredients in the crockpot Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. What should I do to It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Step 6: Shred or Slice and Serve

You can either shred the chicken directly in the crockpot with the thickened sauce, or slice it into thin strips. I often shred it because it just soaks up all that delicious sauce! Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat it thoroughly. Let it sit for another 5-10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thick, it’s time to serve! Is it safe to slice the chicken in half and put it in a pot to coat it with sauce? I find shredding it makes it even more delicious because every strand gets coated. Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes to really absorb all those amazing flavors. What is the best way to serve it hot?

What should I serve it with?

What is a crockpot chicken? My family devours it simply served over fluffy white rice, which is perfect for soaking up all that. What is the best sauce What are some good ideas for a new blog? For a comforting, classic meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes. It’s pure bliss! I love tossing shredded chicken with cooked pasta. If you’re feeling adventurous, I like to sprinkle some of it with some cheese. What is a good one-pot meal? Is it good served over quinoa? On busy mornings, I’ve been known to have a little bit leftover in my breakfast scramble, and I can’t help myself. Is it surprisingly good? If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house) and you can’t eat them, make them into a bowl. ), they make fantastic fillings for sandwiches or wraps the next day. What are some good ways to serve toasted buns as a quick lunch?

How do you cook a crockpot chicken?

I’ve made this crockpot chicken so many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I think make it even better. First, don’t be afraid to really season that chicken before it goes in. A little salt and pepper goes a long way, and it makes a difference in the final flavor. When it comes to the sauce, tasting and adjusting is key! I’ve found that sometimes a pinch more honey or a splash more soy sauce can really elevate it. If you’re using chicken breasts and worry about them drying out, you can always add them a little later in the cooking process, or ensure there’s plenty of liquid in the crockpot. My biggest tip for that amazing, glossy sauce is the cornstarch slurry. It really transforms the liquid into a beautiful, clingy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder works just as well. For a different flavor twist, I’ve experimented with adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the liquid base, and it adds another layer of savory depth. Another thing I learned is that chilling out is fine! If you’re going to be home and available, you can always shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it thicken for a bit before serving. It’s super easy and makes sure every piece of chicken is coated. Lastly, if you don’t have chicken broth, water works in a pinch, but the broth really adds flavor. Just be sure to season well if you use water!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This crockpot chicken is fantastic for leftovers, which is a huge win in my book. Once it’s cooled down a bit, I store any uneaten chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays perfectly good for about 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating, my favorite method is to gently warm it up in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. This helps to re-emulsify the sauce and keep the chicken moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it loosely to prevent it from drying out, and stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. If you’re planning to freeze it, that works too! I recommend shredding the chicken and then mixing it with the sauce before freezing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The key with any leftovers is to make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and safety.

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite, fail-proof crockpot chicken recipe! It’s the kind of meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours spent hovering over the stove to create something truly special and delicious. It’s about simplicity, comfort, and that incredible feeling of coming home to a ready-made, mouthwatering meal. This recipe has saved me on so many busy nights, and more importantly, it’s brought my family together around the dinner table with happy sighs and full bellies. I really hope you give this crockpot chicken a try; I have a feeling it might just become a favorite in your home too! If you do make it, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I love hearing your feedback, and I’m always curious to hear about any twists or turns you add to make it your own. Happy cooking!