Cooking chicken in the crockpot can sometimes result in tough, dry meat if not done properly. There are a few key reasons why chicken may turn out this way and some simple tips to ensure moist, tender chicken every time.
Common Causes of Tough Crockpot Chicken
Here are some of the most common reasons chicken can end up tough and dry in the slow cooker:
- Not enough liquid – Chicken needs moisture to braise and become tender. Without enough liquid in the crockpot, the chicken can dry out and toughen up.
- Overcooking – Chicken cooked too long in the crockpot will become tough and stringy. Keep an eye on cook times to avoid overcooking.
- Frozen chicken – Trying to cook frozen chicken in the crockpot can lead to uneven cooking and cause some pieces to dry out.
- High temperature – Cooking on high heat can cause the outer portions of chicken to overcook before the inside is done.
- Older chicken – More aged chicken tends to have less moisture and can easily become tough in the crockpot.
- Wrong cut of chicken – Lean cuts like chicken breast are prone to drying out, while chicken thighs hold up better.
Tips for Tender Crockpot Chicken
Here are some tips to help get perfect, juicy chicken from the crockpot every time:
- Use the right cuts – Chicken thighs, drumsticks, and wings hold up best. If using breasts, opt for bone-in for more moisture.
- Don’t use frozen chicken – Always thaw chicken fully before cooking in the crockpot.
- Brown it first – Browning the chicken before crockpot cooking helps seal in juices.
- Use enough liquid – Cover chicken at least halfway with broth, water, or sauce.
- Keep temperature low – Cook on low if possible, high heat dries chicken out faster.
- Don’t peek! – Lifting the lid releases steam and moisture – avoid it.
- Use a meat thermometer – Cook until chicken breasts hit 160°F and thighs hit 175°F.
- Let it rest – Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Following these simple guidelines will help prevent tough, dry chicken from the crockpot every time. Now let’s go over some delicious crockpot chicken recipes to put these tips to use!
Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Here are some moist and flavorful crockpot chicken recipes to try:
Simple Shredded Chicken
This easy shredded chicken is perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, salads, and more!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Instructions:
- Place chicken in crockpot and add broth and ranch mix.
- Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours until very tender.
- Shred chicken with two forks right in the crockpot.
Honey Garlic Chicken
The sweet and sticky sauce makes this chicken irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Place chicken, honey, soy sauce, and garlic into crockpot.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Pour into crockpot and stir to thicken sauce.
- Cook for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens.
BBQ Chicken
Finger-licking good BBQ chicken ready with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients into crockpot and mix well.
- Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize sauce (optional).
Buffalo Chicken
Spicy and tangy buffalo chicken is easy to make in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Place chicken, hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder in crockpot.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken and mix with ranch dressing.
Chicken Fajitas
All the flavor of chicken fajitas made easy in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.
- Shred chicken and serve with desired fajita toppings.
Chicken Tikka Masala
This classic Indian dish is made easy in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except coconut milk in crockpot.
- Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours.
- Shred chicken and stir in coconut milk.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright, vibrant lemon garlic chicken ready in just a few hours.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in crockpot.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes once cooked to crisp skin.
White Chicken Chili
This hearty white chicken chili is comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in crockpot.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken and stir back into chili before serving.
Troubleshooting Tough Chicken from the Crockpot
Even when following the best recipes and techniques, sometimes chicken can still turn out unexpectedly tough from the crockpot. Here are some tips if you end up with tough crockpot chicken:
- Simmer it in a sauce – Let the chicken simmer for 30-60 minutes in a flavorful sauce to help break down tough fibers.
- Shred thoroughly – Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces to mask texture.
- Add to casseroles or soups – Dice or shred chicken and add to dishes like casseroles, pasta, or soup to incorporate into other ingredients.
- Slice thinly – For chicken breasts or larger pieces, slice thinly across the grain before adding to dishes.
- Keep warm in the sauce – Hold the chicken in the aromatic crockpot sauce to keep warm and tender until serving.
- Crisp it up – Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs or flour and pan fry or broil to crisp the exterior.
With a few minor adjustments like these, you can still take overly-tough chicken from the crockpot and transform it into a tasty dish.
Common Questions About Crockpot Chicken
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking chicken in the slow cooker:
How long does it take to cook chicken in a crockpot?
Cooking time can vary based on cut, amount, and temperature. As a general guideline:
- Boneless breasts – 4-6 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high
- Bone-in breasts – 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Boneless thighs – 4-6 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high
- Bone-in thighs – 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Drumsticks – 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
What temperature should chicken be cooked to in a crockpot?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of:
- 165°F for boneless breasts
- 165°F for stuffing/ground chicken
- 165°F for casseroles
- 175°F for bone-in chicken
Cooking to these safe temperatures helps prevent foodborne illness.
Can you cook frozen chicken in a crockpot?
It’s not recommended. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook, leading to uneven cooking and potential bacterial growth in unsafe temperature zones. Always thaw chicken fully before cooking in a crockpot.
What liquid is best for cooking chicken in a crockpot?
Chicken broth or stock, water, wine, and fruit juices all work well. For flavor, try Tomato juice, beer, coconut milk, or cream-based sauces. Use enough liquid to come about halfway up the sides of the chicken.
How do you keep chicken moist in the crockpot?
Use bone-in chicken legs and thighs, brown meat first, cook on low, use a lid, add vegetables under chicken, and avoid lifting the lid unnecessarily. Letting chicken rest before serving also locks in juices.
Conclusion
With the right ingredients, techniques, and recipes, you can make incredibly moist, juicy chicken from the crockpot every time. Browning, proper temperature, and enough liquid are key for tenderizing the chicken. Thighs, legs, and bone-in breasts hold up best. Follow the recipes and tips in this guide for foolproof crockpot chicken success!