Sometimes the price of chicken (and other meats) can surprise people who are new to cooking or don’t cook with chicken very often. Buying it in small batches is one way to make it affordable, but buying more and freezing it is awesome for making it last.
I like to buy a lot of chicken on sale, cook it in the slow cooker, and then freeze it so I can use it for meals. Easy peasy and saves some cash! It’s one of the recipe basics that makes things easier.
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is a great way to make delicious, tender meals with minimal effort. The low, slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly moist and flavorful. However, getting the timing right is crucial – overcooked chicken dries out quickly. So how long should you cook chicken on the low setting? Here’s a comprehensive guide to achieve perfection.
The Benefits of Slow Cooked Chicken
There are several reasons why using a slow cooker is ideal for cooking chicken
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It retains moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. The slow, even heating gently breaks down the proteins.
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The long cooking time allows seasonings and spices to fully penetrate the chicken, infusing it with flavor.
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Tougher, cheaper cuts become tender and delicious after hours of slow cooking. It saves money
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It’s an incredibly convenient, hands-off way to cook. Just put the food in the slow cooker and let it do the rest.
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Minimal cleanup – the slow cooker contains any mess.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors impact how long chicken takes to cook on low in a slow cooker:
Type and Cut of Chicken
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Boneless chicken breasts are the leanest cut, but they can dry out if they’re cooked too long. Takes 3-4 hours on low.
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Bone-in chicken breasts: The bone insulates the meat, retaining moisture. Allow 4-6 hours.
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Chicken thighs (bone-in/boneless): More fat and collagen makes them hardier. Cook for 4-6 hours.
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Chicken drumsticks or wings: Smaller but tougher. Need 5-7 hours for tenderness.
Size and Amount
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The more chicken you add, the longer it takes to cook through fully. For example, cooking 2 large breasts takes less time than 6 small ones.
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For food safety, chicken pieces should be arranged in a single layer and not tightly packed.
Frozen vs. Thawed
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Only cook thawed chicken in a slow cooker. If you start with frozen chicken, it stays in the “danger zone” for bacteria for too long.
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Frozen chicken can take up to twice as long to cook. Thaw first for predictable timing.
Presence of Bones
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Bones act as an insulator, slowing down the cooking process. Boneless cuts cook faster.
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For bone-in chicken, ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature by checking with a meat thermometer.
Slow Cooker Size and Shape
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Larger or oval-shaped slow cookers may cook faster than smaller round ones, even on low. Get to know your appliance.
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Newer “smart” slow cookers may cook faster due to higher wattage or improved internal heat circulation.
Recommended Low Cooking Times
Based on extensive testing, here are the approximate cooking times for common chicken cuts on the low setting:
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2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4-6 oz each) – 3-4 hours
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4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4-6 hours
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2-3 bone-in chicken breasts (8 oz each) – 4-6 hours
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4-6 bone-in chicken breasts – 6-8 hours
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4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) – 4-6 hours
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8-12 chicken thighs – 6-8 hours
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4-6 chicken drumsticks – 5-7 hours
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8-12 chicken wings – 6-8 hours
These times are a guide. Always check chicken is cooked through by cutting into the thickest part or taking the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F internally. If undercooked, continue cooking and verify doneness.
Tips for Moist, Tender Chicken
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Add liquid – chicken broth, wine, salsa, etc. This provides moisture and flavor.
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Use a slow cooker liner or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and drying out.
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Resist lifting the lid. Heat escapes every time it’s opened.
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Shred chicken with forks once cooked for maximum tenderness.
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Discard skin once cooked or broil it briefly to crisp it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not defrosting chicken thoroughly before placing it in the slow cooker. Always thaw completely first.
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Cooking on high instead of low. Chicken dries out very quickly on high.
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Not adding any liquid to the slow cooker. The chicken needs moisture.
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Failing to check if chicken is cooked through at the minimum cooking time. It may need longer.
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Neglecting to let chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
Tips for Using a Slow Cooker
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Prep all ingredients the night before. Get everything prepped and refrigerated.
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Pre-heat the slow cooker before adding ingredients. Turn it on 30 minutes prior.
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Give it a stir if possible when half the cooking time has elapsed. This redistributes heat.
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Add quick cooking veg like spinach or peas right at the end so they don’t overcook.
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Allow for carry over cooking. Food left in the cooker retains heat and continues cooking after it’s unplugged.
Is Slow Cooked Chicken Safe?
Yes, chicken cooked properly in a slow cooker is perfectly safe to eat. The low, slow cooking method doesn’t fall in the “danger zone” temperature range where bacteria can multiply quickly. As long as the chicken reaches 165°F internally, it is safe to consume.
Practice food safety as you would with any type of cooking:
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Always thaw chicken fully before placing it in the slow cooker
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Ensure slow cooker reaches 165°F or higher on low
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Don’t let cooked chicken sit in the turned-off slow cooker for over 2 hours
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Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours
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Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving
Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes to Try
Here are some amazing slow cooker chicken recipes to test out after mastering basic cooking times:
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Chicken Tortilla Soup – spice it up with chili, corn and avocado
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Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Veggies – so hearty and flavorful
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Hawaiian Chicken – a tropical twist with pineapple and teriyaki
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Chicken Tikka Masala – an amazing curry dish, so aromatic
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Buffalo Chicken – perfect for game day snacking or sandwiches
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Chicken Fajitas – great Southwestern flavor from peppers and seasoning
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Chicken Parmesan – breaded chicken smothered in tomato sauce and cheese
The options are endless! Slow cooking brings out the best in chicken. Mastering the timing means you’ll have moist, delicious chicken meals with ease.
Here are a few recipes that rock with this shredded chicken method in a slow cooker:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- For every pound of chicken, use 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable stock (or water).
- Put the chicken and water (or stock) in a slow cooker.
- Close the lid and cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F on the inside. This will take 4 to 5 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken while it’s still hot. Place it on a cutting board. It should shred very easily at this point.
- The chicken can be frozen for up to four months in a container that keeps air out. Use within a few days in the refrigerator.
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How to cook chicken in a slow cooker
The trick is just to get the ratio of liquid to chicken right. For these purposes, use 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock (or water) for every pound of chicken. So you can make as much Crockpot chicken as you like, as long as you keep the ratio right. You can use water instead of stock in a pinch, though the stock gives it a nice flavor.
Cooking a whole chicken in the Crockpot | Slow Cooker Recipes
FAQ
How long does chicken take on a low slow cooker?
Turn the slow cooker down to Low and set it to High for an hour. Then, leave it there for 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
How long do you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Whole chicken – Low setting for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Make sure that most of the meat is in contact with the bottom of your slow cooker. This is important for the most evenly cooked, juicy slow cooker chicken breast or thigh meat. Do You Need to Add Liquid?.
Should you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
If a chicken breast can potentially be done in an hour, the cookbook would find it hard to justify the use of a slow cooker versus an oven or stove. But we find slow cooking—whether on low or high—means less involvement with the cooking process, which is a bonus on busy evenings.
Can you cook chicken in a crock pot on low?
Yes, you can definitely cook chicken breasts in a crock pot on low. Chicken breasts are lean and tend to dry out quickly, so cooking them on low heat is beneficial to keep them moist and tender. 2. Can I use frozen chicken in a slow cooker? Using frozen chicken in a crock pot on low is perfectly safe.
What temperature do you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Slow cookers operate at low temperatures, typically ranging from 170°F to 280°F (76°C to 138°C). This gradual cooking process is ideal for breaking down tough fibers in meat while locking in moisture, resulting in succulent dishes. Cooking chicken breast perfectly in a slow cooker boils down to both timing and technique.
How long do you cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker?
Thighs with bones: cook for the same amount of time, three hours total. Whole chicken: cook on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours. Make sure that most of the meat is in contact with the bottom of your slow cooker. This is important for the most evenly cooked, juicy slow cooker chicken breast or thigh meat.
Can you remove chicken from a slow cooker?
For example, if you’re cooking a chicken breast and want to cook it to 165°F, you can remove it from the slow cooker when it reaches an internal temp of about 162°F or so. The heat retained in the chicken will continue to cook it.