Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is a great way to make sure your chicken doesn’t turn out dry. By cooking chicken in a slow cooker, you allow it to cook slowly and gently, ensuring that the chicken will be cooked through without being rubbery.

Can you slow cook chicken without adding liquid?

Not necessarily. Slow cookers make sure that chicken is cooked through without being rubbery because they allow the chicken to cook slowly, rather than quickly. This ensures the chicken is cooked all the way through without any risk of it overcooking and drying out.

Adding some kind of liquid will just add lots of flavors to your chicken. If you are using cooking spray then there shouldn’t be a need for adding any liquids, just seasoning, and spices that accompany your recipe!

How to cook chicken in a slow cooker without adding liquid?

So how do you cook chicken in a slow cooker without liquid? Start by using the instructions below:

1. Start by taking a 2-3 lb package of boneless skinless chicken breasts, and snuggle them as evenly as you can into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Then, you can add whatever seasonings you like. Most time I do love using dried herbs, like thyme, oregano,… (some fresh herbs can be added, read below which ones to use)
4. When you’ve sprinkled on the seasonings, put the lid on and set it into your cooking unit.
5. I find about 3-4 hours on low is just right, with one single layer, for the chicken to fully cook through to 165 degrees F. The time it takes for your slow cooker to turn on and heat up can vary slightly depending on the brand.
6. Add in some fresh herbs for an extra kick.  It’s best if they’re added in the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Some mistake to avoid!

You take off the lit too much

When you’re cooking chicken in a slow cooker, it’s important to resist the urge to lift the lid. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, which lengthens the cooking time. If you’re constantly lifting the lid, your chicken will never cook all the way through and will end up being dry and rubbery. So try to resist the urge to peek, and let your chicken cook slowly and gently in the slow cooker.

Adding your fresh herbs too soon

When you’re cooking chicken in a slow cooker, there are a few herbs that work best when added at the beginning of the cooking time, and a few that work best when added at the end.

• The herbs that work best when added at the beginning of the cooking time are hearty herbs like rosemary or thyme, which will infuse their flavors into the chicken.
• The herbs that work best when added at the end of the cooking time are fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, which will add flavor to the chicken without overpowering it.

So try experimenting with adding different herbs at different points in the cooking time to see which ones give your chicken the best flavor.

Overfilling your slow cooker

When you’re cooking chicken in a slow cooker, it’s important to resist the urge to overload it with ingredients. If you overcrowd the slow cooker, the chicken won’t cook evenly and will end up being dry and rubbery.

So try to resist the urge to stuff your slow cooker with too many ingredients, and leave at least an inch of space at the top just in case it bubbles over.

Not using a thermometer

A meat thermometer is a great toolto have when slow-cooking chicken, as it ensures that the chicken is cooked through all the way. The chicken should be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees F in order to be safe to eat.

To use a meat thermometer, simply insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If the chicken is cooked all the way through, the temperature will read 165 degrees F.

Not experimenting enough

If you want to make the best chicken in a slow cooker, then you need to experiment with different ingredients, times, temperatures, and seasonings.

Adding different spices and flavors will help to make your chicken unique and delicious. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect recipe for you.

Go organic 

When you cook with organic chicken, you’re not only getting a delicious and healthy meal, but you’re also doing your part to help the environment.

Organic chickens are raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics, which means that they’re healthier for both you and the planet.

They also don’t produce as much waste as conventionally-raised chickens, which can be harmful to the environment.

So next time you’re looking for some fresh chicken breasts for dinner, try using organic chicken instead. You’ll be helping yourself and the planet at the same time!

Conclusion

Cooking chicken in a slow cooker without liquid can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little experimentation, you can create a delicious and unique recipe. Be sure to avoid lifting the lid too often, add your herbs at the right time, and avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. And don’t forget to use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through.