Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely throw raw chicken directly into the crockpot. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure food safety and the best results when cooking raw chicken in a crockpot.
Can You Cook Raw Chicken in the Crockpot?
Cooking raw chicken in the crockpot is a safe and convenient cooking method, as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines. The low, slow cooking provided by the crockpot allows the chicken time to cook through completely and become tender.
There are just a few keys things to remember when putting raw chicken in the crockpot:
- Use the right cut of chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Don’t overfill – Leave space around the chicken for even cooking.
- Brown it first – Browning seals in moisture and improves flavor.
- Use the right liquid – Broth, salsa, or cream-based liquids work well.
- Cook on low – Cook chicken for 7-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
- Check internal temp – Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
As long as you follow these tips, you can be confident your crockpot chicken will turn out juicy, tender and safe to eat. The crockpot does all the work with long, slow cooking while you go about your day.
Steps for Cooking Raw Chicken in the Crockpot
Follow these simple steps for foolproof crockpot chicken every time:
1. Choose the Right Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best in the crockpot. The meat cooks evenly and the lack of bones prevents the meat drying out.
You can leave the bone in for flavorsome dishes like chicken adobo or chicken cacciatore. Cut chicken into smaller pieces to allow sauce or liquid to penetrate.
2. Brown the Chicken First
Browning the chicken first seals in moisture and gives great flavor. Pat chicken dry and season well. Quickly sear chicken on both sides in a skillet with a little oil until nicely browned.
Skip this step if short on time but the chicken won’t be quite as flavorful.
3. Don’t Overfill
Resist the urge to stack the chicken. Overfilling prevents even cooking and could lead to unsafe temperatures. Arrange chicken in a single layer with space around each piece.
Cook chicken in batches for larger quantities. The crockpot should be half to three-quarters full at most.
4. Use the Right Liquid
The liquid provides moisture and flavor as the chicken cooks. Use broth, wine, salsa, barbecue sauce, creamy soups or a sauce as the cooking liquid.
Use 1 to 2 cups of liquid for 3-4 pounds of chicken. Too much liquid leads to overly wet chicken.
5. Cook on Low
Cooking the chicken low and slow is key for tender, juicy meat. Cook chicken on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Chicken can overcook if left too long. If cooking all day, stick to the low setting. Don’t cook chicken longer than 8 hours.
6. Check Internal Temperature
Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. Always check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
If the chicken isn’t done, re-cover and cook for additional time. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken
Use these extra tips for the most delicious, foolproof crockpot chicken every time:
- Use fresh chicken – Don’t use frozen chicken as it cooks unevenly in the crockpot.
- Trim excess fat – This prevents the dish from being greasy.
- Add veggies – Try onions, carrots, potatoes or any hardy veggies you like.
- Shred at the end – Shred chicken with forks for tacos, sandwiches or casseroles.
- Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch and water into the finished sauce to thicken.
- Finish with herbs – Stir in fresh herbs before serving for bright flavor.
With the right technique, the crockpot does all the work while you are free to go about your day. You’ll come home to a filling homemade meal with very little effort involved!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with dry, overcooked chicken if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common crockpot mistakes:
- Not adding enough liquid – The liquid provides moisture as the chicken cooks. Use at least 1 cup liquid per pound of chicken.
- Cooking on high too long – Stick to the low setting for 7-8 hours for ideal texture. High can lead to overcooking.
- Packed too tightly – Chicken needs space to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
- Using frozen chicken – Only use fresh or thawed chicken, frozen leads to uneven cooking.
- Forgetting to check temp – Always check chicken has reached 165°F internally before serving.
As long as you keep these things in mind, you can look forward to perfect crockpot chicken every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really okay to just throw raw chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you absolutely can put raw chicken directly into the crockpot without any prep. However, taking a few quick steps like browning and proper layering will reward you with much tastier chicken.
Should I add liquid if I’m putting raw chicken in my crockpot?
Yes, you should always add liquid like broth, wine, salsa or cream when cooking raw chicken in the crockpot. The liquid prevents the chicken from drying out and also provides lots of flavor. Use 1 to 2 cups liquid per 3-4 pounds of chicken.
How long does raw chicken need to cook in a crockpot?
Cook raw chicken on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours. Chicken can overcook if left for too long. Always shred or cut chicken to check it has reached 165°F internally before serving.
Can I stack raw chicken pieces in my crockpot?
You’re better off arranging the chicken in a single layer rather than stacking pieces. This allows the heat to circulate properly and the chicken cooks evenly. Overfilling the crockpot can lead to unsafe temperatures.
Is frozen chicken okay to use in the crockpot?
It’s best to avoid using frozen chicken as it can lead to uneven cooking. Always thaw chicken fully in the refrigerator before cooking in the crockpot for food safety and the best results.
Conclusion
Cooking raw chicken in the crockpot is a simple, hands-off way to end up with deliciously juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken for meals. As long as you use the right cut of chicken, add liquid, and cook on low heat for the recommended time, you can trust your crockpot to turn out perfect chicken every time.
Browning the chicken first and avoiding overfilling the crockpot will reward you with even better flavor and texture. Just be sure to always check the internal temperature before serving. Follow these tips and throw raw chicken in the crockpot with total confidence for foolproof homemade meals.