Cooking chicken in a slow cooker for 2 hours is certainly possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the chicken turns out moist, tender and fully cooked. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of slow cooker chicken, discuss how long to cook chicken breasts and thighs in a slow cooker, and provide tips, timing and recipes for perfectly cooked slow cooker chicken.
The Basics of Cooking Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers work by cooking food at a low temperature over a long period of time. This prolonged cooking allows the chicken to become very tender as the collagen breaks down. It also allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.
There are a few basics to keep in mind when cooking chicken in the slow cooker:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. The bones and skin help keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker. It should be half to three-quarters full for optimal cooking.
- Add liquids like broth, tomatoes, wine or water. Slow cooker chicken needs moisture to braise and cook properly.
- Use spices and aromatics. Onion, garlic, herbs, chili powder, cumin and other seasonings add big flavor.
- Keep an eye on doneness. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow carryover cooking. The temperature will continue rising 5-10° after unplugging the slow cooker.
Following these tips will result in tender, juicy chicken that is cooked perfectly throughout.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts in a Slow Cooker
Chicken breasts are very lean and can easily dry out and overcook. Here are some tips for moist, tender slow cooker chicken breasts:
- Cook for 3-4 hours on LOW. This slower cooking results in juicier chicken.
- Use boneless, skinless breasts. The lack of bone and skin means they cook faster.
- Add liquid to the slow cooker like broth, salsa, wine, etc.
- Place breasts on bottom and sides of cooker, nestled into the liquid.
- Allow natural release of pressure. Don’t open the lid right away when done.
With these tips, chicken breasts should turn out perfectly cooked in a slow cooker set on low for 3-4 hours.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Here are some tasty chicken breast recipes for the slow cooker:
- Texas Pulled Chicken – chicken breasts cooked in salsa and spices
- French Onion Chicken – chicken smothered in french onion soup
- Honey Sesame Chicken – a sticky, savory Asian-inspired dish
How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in a Slow Cooker
Chicken thighs are perfect for the slow cooker because they stay so moist. Here’s how long to cook them:
- Cook for 4-6 hours on LOW. Thighs need a little longer than breasts.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs only. The skin prevents drying out.
- Make sure the thighs are fully submerged in liquid.
- Allow natural release time. Don’t open the lid immediately.
Cooked for 4-6 hours on low, chicken thighs should be fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Recipes
These chicken thigh recipes are sure to be hits:
- Chicken Adobo – a Filipino chicken stew
- Chicken Tikka Masala – an aromatic Indian dish
- Chicken Cacciatore – an Italian braise with tomatoes, wine and herbs
Tips for Cooking Chicken in a Slow Cooker for 2 Hours
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker for just 2 hours can work, but it takes a little finesse. Here are some tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook faster than thighs.
- Cut the breasts into 1-inch cubes before cooking. Smaller pieces will cook quicker.
- Make sure the chicken is completely submerged in liquid.
- Set the slow cooker to HIGH. The higher heat will speed things along.
- Add lots of flavorful liquid like wine, broth or barbecue sauce.
- Check for doneness at 2 hours. Juices should run clear when pierced.
With these tips, chicken can certainly be cooked through in a slow cooker on HIGH for 2 hours. It results in very moist, tender chicken perfect for tacos, sandwiches, soups and more.
2 Hour Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
To cook chicken in 2 hours in the slow cooker, use the following recipes:
- Chicken Taco Meat – spice rubbed chicken cooked in salsa
- Jerk Chicken – chicken marinated in spicy Jamaican jerk sauce
- BBQ Chicken – shredded chicken smothered in barbecue sauce
How to Tell If Chicken Is Done in a Slow Cooker
Here are some ways to test if chicken is fully cooked in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Cut into the thickest part of the breast or thigh. Meat should no longer be pink.
- The juices should run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife or fork.
- The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
If in doubt, you can always place the chicken under the broiler for 5 minutes at the end to ensure doneness.
Is Chicken Safe If Undercooked in a Slow Cooker?
It’s not recommended to eat chicken that is undercooked in the slow cooker. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat and kill any potential bacteria.
If the chicken did not reach a safe temperature, it’s best to continue cooking it either in the slow cooker or broiler until fully cooked through. Do not partially cook chicken and then refrigerate to finish cooking later, as this increases risk of bacterial growth.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to make mistakes when cooking chicken in the slow cooker. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
Using the Wrong Cut of Chicken
The best cuts to use are bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks. Breasts can dry out too easily. Avoid using chicken tenderloins or wings.
Not Browning the Chicken First
Browning the chicken first adds deeper flavor. Always quickly sear the chicken on both sides in a skillet before slow cooking.
Overfilling the Slow Cooker
The slow cooker should only be half to three-quarters full for optimal cooking. Overfilling leads to improperly cooked chicken.
Not Adding Enough Liquid
Slow cooker chicken needs moisture to braise. Make sure liquid covers most of the chicken.
Cooking on High Too Long
Chicken can overcook and dry out on HIGH. Cook for 4-6 hours on LOW for best results.
Not Allowing Natural Release Time
Don’t remove the lid immediately after cooking. Allowing natural release time finishes cooking the chicken.
FAQs
Should You Flip Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Flipping is not necessary when slow cooking chicken. The constant low heat will cook it evenly on all sides.
Can You Put Frozen Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
It’s not recommended. Frozen chicken can take too long to come up to temperature, resulting in unsafe bacterial growth.
Can You Put Raw Chicken in a Slow Cooker Overnight?
No, raw chicken should never sit out overnight before cooking. The chicken must fully cook within 1-2 hours of being placed in the slow cooker.
The Takeaway on Slow Cooker Chicken
Cooking moist, flavorful chicken in a slow cooker is easy with the right techniques. The keys are using bone-in chicken, cooking on LOW for 4-6 hours, and allowing natural release time. With the recipes and tips above, you’ll be making amazing slow cooker chicken in no time!