Having rubbery chicken from the crock pot can be disappointing after spending time preparing a meal. Understanding what causes chicken to turn out rubbery can help avoid this problem in the future.
What causes chicken to be rubbery in the crock pot?
There are a few main reasons chicken can end up with a rubbery texture in the slow cooker:
- Overcooking – Chicken cooked too long in the crock pot can become rubbery as the proteins break down too much.
- Not enough liquid – Without sufficient moisture, chicken can more easily overcook and dry out.
- Wrong cut of chicken – Breast meat is particularly prone to drying out and getting rubbery in the crock pot.
- High temperature – Cooking chicken on high heat for an extended time increases the chance of rubbery texture.
- Incorrect thawing – Chicken that is not completely thawed or is thawed improperly can lead to uneven cooking.
How can I avoid rubbery chicken in the future?
Here are some tips to help prevent rubbery crock pot chicken:
- Use thighs, legs, or bone-in chicken pieces which hold up better to slow cooking.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time.
- Add liquid like broth, water, or sauce and cook on low setting.
- Only cook 4-6 hours on low – check at 4 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Use a meat thermometer and cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Completely thaw chicken in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Sprinkle salt and seasoning over chicken right before serving for flavor and moisture.
Troubleshooting tips for rubbery crock pot chicken
If you find your crock pot chicken has already turned out disappointingly rubbery, there are a few things you can try to improve it:
- Shred and sauce – Shred the chicken with two forks and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce or gravy to add moisture.
- Make chicken salad – Dice or shred the chicken and mix it with mayo, celery, onion, and other desired ingredients for chicken salad.
- Add to soup or stew – Cut up the chicken into pieces and simmer it in soups, stews, or chilis to soften it up.
- Cook in the oven – Bake the rubbery chicken covered in sauce at 350°F for 30-60 minutes to gently reheat and tenderize it.
Crock pot cooking tips to prevent rubbery chicken
Here are some extra pointers to keep in mind when cooking chicken in the crock pot:
- Cut whole chicken breasts in half or into chunks to reduce thickness.
- Layer vegetables underneath chicken to prevent sticking or burning.
- Cook on low setting for best results.
- Add liquid halfway through cooking if needed.
- Do not lift lid frequently or chicken will dry out.
- Use a digital thermometer to monitor doneness.
- Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Switch to a new crock if yours is worn or damaged.
Best chicken cuts for the crock pot
These chicken cuts tend to turn out most moist and tender after slow cooking:
| Chicken Cut | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Juicy dark meat that shreds easily |
| Chicken legs | Moist dark meat great for stews |
| Chicken wings | Become fall-off-the-bone tender |
| Bone-in breasts | More flavor and moisture than boneless |
| Drumsticks | Ideal for soups, chilis, and curries |
Focus on choosing bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces with plenty of fat and connective tissue to prevent rubbery results.
Seasonings that enhance crock pot chicken
Boost the flavor of your crock pot chicken with these tasty seasonings:
- Fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley
- Spice blends – paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
- Acidic ingredients – lemon juice, vinegar, wine
- Umami flavors – soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard
- Aromatics – onion, garlic, shallots, ginger
- Oils – olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil
- Salt and pepper
Apply seasoning directly to the chicken and mix into sauces and cooking liquids for maximum flavor.
Crock pot chicken thigh recipes
Chicken thighs are perfect for the slow cooker. Here are some top-rated crock pot thigh recipes to try:
BBQ Pulled Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs
- BBQ sauce
- Chicken broth
- Onion, garlic
- Seasonings like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Seasonings like oregano, paprika
Jerk Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs
- Jerk seasoning
- Allspice, thyme, garlic
- Onion, scallion
- Chicken broth
Chicken Thighs in Peanut Sauce
- Chicken thighs
- Peanut butter
- Coconut milk
- Soy sauce, lime juice, ginger
- Garlic, chili pepper, cilantro
Preventing rubbery chicken breast in the crock pot
Chicken breasts are prone to drying out in the slow cooker. Here are tips for keeping them tender:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts when possible
- Cut breasts in half or into chunks to reduce thickness
- Cook on low 4-6 hours max, check earlier for doneness
- Add braising liquid like broth, tomatoes, cream
- Shred cooked breasts with forks and add sauce
- Drop a few chicken breasts into stews and chilis
- Switch to darker, fattier thighs and legs for best results
With the right techniques, even chicken breasts can come out juicy and tender from the crock pot.
Why crock pots can make chicken rubbery
There are a few inherent challenges of slow cookers that can contribute to rubbery chicken texture:
- Low moisture environment leads to drying out
- Long cooking times break down connective tissues
- Difficult to monitor and adjust temperature
- Hot spots lead to overcooking
- Evaporation occurs every time lid is removed
- Old or damaged crock can have hot spots
Understanding how a crock pot works helps make adjustments like adding liquid, keeping lid on, and not overcooking.
Alternative cooking methods for chicken
If the crock pot isn’t giving you the tender, juicy chicken you want, try these other cooking methods:
Baked Chicken
Bake bone-in chicken pieces seasoned with herbs and spices at 375°F for 30-50 minutes until cooked through. Keeping meat on the bone helps retain moisture.
Grilled Chicken
Get crispy skin and tender meat by grilling over direct heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Butter or oil helps keep meat juicy.
Pan-Seared Chicken
Cook chicken in a hot pan with oil for 2-3 minutes per side to get a flavorful sear while keeping the meat succulent.
Poached Chicken
Gently simmering chicken breasts or thighs in broth or water keeps the meat incredibly moist and tender.
Air Fryer Chicken
The hot air circulation of an air fryer cooks chicken fast to seal in juices without drying it out. Use cooking spray or oil.
Conclusion
With the right techniques, cuts of chicken, and recipes, you can absolutely make moist, fall-off-the-bone chicken in the crock pot. Key tips are using dark meat chicken, cooking on low heat with liquid for the right amount of time, seasoning well, and shredding meat once cooked. Avoid overcooking boneless, skinless breasts and your crock pot chicken will improve immediately.