Cooking chicken twice may seem counterintuitive, but there are some good reasons to consider slow cooking chicken that has already been cooked. With the right technique, you can transform leftover chicken into delicious new meals without drying it out or making it rubbery.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking Pre-Cooked Chicken
Here are some of the top benefits of slow cooking chicken that has already been cooked:
- Makes use of leftovers. Slow cooking is a great way to repurpose leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken into new dishes like casseroles, soups, etc.
- Infuses flavor. The moist, gentle heat of the slow cooker allows you to infuse tremendous flavor into already cooked chicken.
- Keeps chicken moist. Slow cooking cooked chicken properly prevents it from drying out, keeping it tender and juicy.
- Frees up oven space. You can make a delicious slow cooker meal without heating up the kitchen by using the oven.
- Adds convenience. Toss ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning for a meal ready when you get home.
How to Slow Cook Previously Cooked Chicken
Slow cooking previously cooked chicken requires a little bit of finesse. Here are some tips:
- Use boneless skinless chicken. Bone-in cuts and skin can make the chicken dry.
- Cut or shred into bite-size pieces. This allows the chicken to absorb flavors better.
- Use a flavorful liquid. Chicken broth, salsa, barbecue sauce, etc. keeps the chicken moist.
- Avoid overfilling. Leave space for the liquid to simmer and fully submerge the chicken.
- Cook on low. Low, gentle heat prevents chicken from drying out and overcooking.
- Stir occasionally. Gently redistributing the chicken helps it cook evenly.
- Cook just until heated through. Aim for 165°F internally without overcooking.
Following these guidelines will result in tender, juicy leftover chicken ready for whatever recipe you have in mind!
Ideal Slow Cooker Recipes for Pre-Cooked Chicken
Many classic slow cooker recipes work wonderfully with cooked chicken. Here are some great options:
Chicken Noodle Soup
Transform leftover chicken pieces into a soothing, hearty chicken noodle soup. Simply add chicken broth, vegetables, noodles and seasonings and simmer until hot and flavors have blended.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Mix shredded chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese and ranch dressing or sour cream. Heat through until bubbly. Serve with crackers or chips.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Toss bite-size chicken with an aromatic sauce of tomatoes, garlic, ginger and Indian spices. Serve over rice once heated through.
Chicken Casserole
Combine chicken with rice, pasta or potatoes along with vegetables like peas, beans, corn, etc. Top with cheese and crushed crackers or stuffing mix and cook until heated through.
Chicken Chili
Cook chicken in chili sauce or diced tomatoes with chili powder, beans, onions, peppers and other favorite chili ingredients until fully hot.
Tips to Prevent Dry, Rubbery Slow Cooked Chicken
With the proper precautions, slow cooking already cooked chicken can yield delicious results. Here are some tips to avoid overcooking:
- Use the right chicken cuts. Stick to boneless skinless pieces which hold up better.
- Cut into smaller pieces to maximize moisture absorption.
- Cook on low to gently reheat without overcooking.
- Use a broth, sauce or gravy to keep chicken moist.
- Cook just until heated through, not beyond. Check temperature.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and distribute moisture.
- Add veggies toward the end so they don’t overcook.
- Use a newer slow cooker model which cooks more evenly.
Conclusion
Yes, you can successfully slow cook already cooked chicken with the proper techniques. Selecting the right cuts, cooking on low in a flavorful liquid, and cooking just until heated through allows you to repurpose leftovers into delicious new meals. Avoid overfilling and overcooking to prevent dry, rubbery results. With the right precautions, your cooked chicken will reheat gently to perfection in the slow cooker.