Both chicken breast and thigh can be great options for slow cooking. The main differences come down to nutrition, taste, and texture.
Nutrition
Chicken thigh is higher in fat and calories compared to chicken breast. A 3 ounce serving of chicken thigh contains around 140 calories and 8 grams of fat, while the same amount of chicken breast contains 110 calories and 1 gram of fat.
Chicken thigh does contain slightly higher amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, zinc, and iron. However, chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein with less saturated fat.
Macronutrients per 3 oz serving
| Nutrient | Chicken Breast | Chicken Thigh |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 140 |
| Fat | 1g | 8g |
| Protein | 24g | 18g |
For those limiting calories or fat, chicken breast may be the better option. Chicken thigh provides more fat and calories, which some prefer for added moisture and flavor.
Taste
Since it contains more fat, chicken thigh is often considered more flavorful and tender compared to the leaner chicken breast. The extra fat keeps chicken thigh moist during the long cooking time.
Chicken breast can easily dry out in the slow cooker. It needs plenty of moisture from a sauce or braising liquid. Even then, it may end up stringy and dry. So chicken thigh is usually the tastier choice.
Texture
The texture of chicken breast versus thigh is quite different after slow cooking. Chicken breast tends to get firm and stringy when cooked low and slow. The lean meat fibers toughen up.
Chicken thigh remains tender and juicy. The fat and collagen in chicken thighs breaks down into gelatin, keeping the meat moist. The texture is similar to pulled chicken.
Cooking Considerations
A few tips for cooking each type of chicken in the slow cooker:
For chicken breast:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Add broth, sauce, or other liquid to prevent drying out.
- Shred or dice the cooked chicken to shorten the muscle fibers.
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
For chicken thighs:
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best moisture.
- Render the skin by browning first for crispy texture.
- Cook in sauce, onions, garlic for extra flavor.
- Cook on low 6-8 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.
Slow Cooker Recipe Ideas
Here are some slow cooker recipes ideal for each type of chicken:
For chicken breasts:
- Shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches
- Chicken tortilla soup
- Chicken teriyaki bowls
- Italian chicken with tomatoes & herbs
For chicken thighs:
- Honey garlic chicken thighs
- Chicken tikka masala
- Chicken cacciatore
- Chicken adobo
Cost Comparison
Chicken thighs are often more budget-friendly compared to chicken breasts. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can cost $2-3 less per pound compared to boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Chicken thighs also offer more edible meat for the cost since they contain the bones, skin, and excess fat. Chicken breasts have had this removed.
Average Cost (USD) Per Pound
| Chicken Cut | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | $6-9 |
| Bone-in Chicken Thighs | $3-6 |
For shoppers on a tight budget, chicken thighs may be the top choice. You get more food for less money compared to chicken breasts.
Conclusion
For slow cooking, juicy, tender chicken thighs are usually the winner over dry chicken breasts. The extra fat keeps chicken thighs moist, while chicken breasts need added liquid to prevent drying out.
Chicken thighs result in more flavorful pulled or shredded chicken that stands up to long cooking times. Chicken breasts are prone to getting stringy and dense.
However, for those watching their calories or fat intake, chicken breast has a nutrition advantage. And it can still work in some slow cooker recipes as long as there is plenty of sauce or braising liquid.
So choosing between chicken breast vs thigh comes down to your taste preferences, budget, and health goals. For best results in the slow cooker, start with bone-in chicken thighs and flavor the cooking liquid boldly.