Tiffany Haney
Cooking chicken in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare a tasty, juicy, and tender meal with minimal effort. Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can be cooked in a crock pot, and the bones add flavour to the dish. The slow-cooking process in a crock pot ensures that the chicken stays juicy and is ideal for busy families or meal preppers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 3-8 hours |
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Ingredients | Chicken broth/water, baby potatoes/chopped potatoes, vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, sweet pepper strips), bone-in chicken breasts/thighs, butter/olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, parsley, garlic |
| Equipment | Crockpot/slow cooker, small bowl, hand whisk, meat thermometer |
| Results | Juicy, tender, flavorful, succulent |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for chicken with bones in a crock pot can vary depending on the cut of the meat and the desired texture. Here are some general guidelines:
Chicken Breasts
For bone-in chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook them on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and juicy. If you are using frozen chicken breasts, it is safe to do so in a crock pot, and they will cook through in about four hours on a low setting.
Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs typically require a longer cooking time than chicken breasts. They should be cooked on low for around 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. You can also cook them on low for 6 to 8 hours if you want them to be fall-off-the-bone tender.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached this temperature, especially if you are cooking a large quantity or if your crock pot tends to cook at a lower temperature.
Additional Tips
You can add vegetables during the last hour or half hour of cooking to avoid overcooking them. If you want crispy skin on your chicken, you can place the cooked chicken under a broiler for a few minutes before serving.
Remember, it is important to avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can make it tough and dry. With these time and temperature guidelines, you can achieve juicy and tender results when cooking chicken with bones in a crock pot.
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Seasoning and spices
Another option is to use a liquid marinade. This can be as simple as olive oil or butter, which will add moisture and flavour to the chicken. You can also add spices and herbs to the oil or butter, creating a paste to rub onto the chicken. For a more complex marinade, you can use a combination of oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or hot sauce. The acid in lemon juice or vinegar will help to tenderise the meat.
Additionally, you can add flavour to the cooking liquid in the crock pot. This is usually chicken broth or stock, but you can also use water. Add spices such as cumin, coriander, or curry powder, or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. You can also add ingredients like garlic, ginger, or chillies to the cooking liquid for extra flavour.
If you're making a gravy or sauce with the drippings, you can add spices and herbs to this as well. Whisk in some cornstarch to thicken the gravy, and then add spices like paprika, cumin, or chilli powder. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sauce before serving.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile. You can also try using pre-made spice blends, such as taco seasoning, jerk seasoning, or a simple herb de Provence blend.
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Broth and gravy
Bone-in chicken breasts are more flavourful and juicy than boneless chicken breasts. They are ideal for making broth and gravy in a crock pot.
Broth
Once you have cooked the chicken, you can use the leftover bones to make a batch of delicious chicken bone broth. Place the leftover bones back into the crockpot and add enough water to cover the bones by about two inches. You can also add herbs and celery. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Strain the bones and allow the broth to cool before storing it in the fridge.
If you want to make a richer broth, you can roast the bones before putting them in the crockpot. To do this, place the bones on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.
Gravy
You can make gravy using the drippings from the crockpot. Pour the drippings into a saucepan and add two to three tablespoons of sour cream, butter or flour/cornstarch. Whisk the drippings and simmer until thickened. You can also add a cup of water or chicken broth.
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Vegetables and sides
There are several vegetables and side dishes that go well with crockpot chicken. Here are some options:
Vegetables
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes, red potatoes, or gold potatoes are all good choices. You can cut them into wedges or cubes before adding them to the crockpot.
- Carrots: Baby carrots or regular carrots cut into 1-inch chunks can be used. If you prefer your carrots to be very firm and crisp, you can add them during the last 60 minutes of cooking or keep them out of the cooking liquid.
- Green beans: Fresh green beans can be added to the crockpot. If you want them to remain crisp, you can cook them separately or add them towards the end of the cooking process.
- Onions: An onion mixture can be spread over the potatoes and carrots in the crockpot.
- Parsnips: Other root vegetables like parsnips can also be added, just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- Butternut squash: Cubed butternut squash can be added as a substitute for potatoes.
Sides
- Rice: White rice is a good option to serve with the crockpot chicken, especially when paired with the sauce from the crockpot.
- Roasted vegetables: You can serve the chicken with a platter of roasted vegetables, such as caramelized Brussels sprouts or garlicky broccoli rabe.
- Salad: A tossed green salad can be a healthy side dish to accompany the crockpot chicken.
- Bread: Homemade yeast rolls or crusty bread can be served alongside the crockpot chicken to soak up the extra gravy or sauce.
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Reheating and storing
Reheating
To reheat your chicken, place the bone-in chicken and any leftover juices in a covered dish in an oven preheated to 300°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but it is important to use only 50% power to prevent the chicken from drying out. If you're looking for crispy skin, place the cooked chicken breasts under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
Storing
When storing your chicken, it is recommended to avoid placing the ceramic bowl directly in the refrigerator, as the temperature change can cause the bowl to crack. Instead, store the chicken and any vegetables in separate containers in the fridge. You can also freeze your crockpot with the cooked chicken and vegetables, setting a timer to defrost a few hours before serving. This method ensures that your chicken doesn't become overcooked or dried out.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 3 to 4 hours on high heat and 6 to 8 hours on low heat to cook chicken with bones in a crock pot.
You can use a variety of seasonings, spices, herbs, and vegetables to make crock pot chicken with bones more flavorful. Some common ingredients include garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, parsley, celery, carrots, and onions.
Yes, you can put frozen chicken with bones in a crock pot. It is recommended to add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the crock pot to prevent burning and drying out.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You can store leftover crock pot chicken with bones in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also remove the meat from the bones and use it for casseroles, tacos, soups, or sandwiches. Additionally, you can make bone broth by placing the bones back into the crock pot with water and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
