Background and History
The Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken stews and curries, utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker to create a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Slow cookers, also known as crock-pots, gained popularity in the 1970s as a convenient kitchen appliance that allows for low-temperature, long-duration cooking, perfect for tenderizing meats and melding flavors. This particular recipe infuses the chicken with a delightful mix of spices, providing a warm, spicy kick reminiscent of various global cuisines, such as Indian and Mexican.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Useful and Interesting Facts
- Slow cooking helps in retaining the nutrients of the ingredients, especially in vegetables.
- This dish is versatile and can be served with rice, tortillas, or as a standalone stew.
- You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Using black beans and corn adds fiber and texture, making the dish not only tasty but also nutritious.
Instructions
Serves
4
Time
15 minutes (preparation)
Cooking Time
6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high
Cooking Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Drain and rinse the black beans if using canned.
- Prepare the chicken broth and lime juice.
Assembling the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Layering in the Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the olive oil over the chicken.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
- Pour the tomato and spice mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Check occasionally to ensure the chicken is cooking evenly and the mixture is not drying out. Add more broth if necessary.
Final Touches
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Add lime juice and mix.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Optional: Serve with rice, tortillas, or over a salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger group.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Allergy Warning
- Contains no common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten.
- Ensure that all ingredients, especially chicken broth and canned products, are free from any allergens specific to your dietary needs.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken, a perfect meal for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend dinner!
Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow cooker will bring the chicken to a safe temperature and cook it thoroughly. Just ensure you follow the recipe’s cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Is 3 hours in slow cooker enough for chicken?
Typically, 3 hours on high may be enough to cook chicken, but it depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific recipe. For larger pieces or whole chickens, longer cooking times are usually required to ensure thorough cooking.
Why is my slow cooker chicken rubbery?
Chicken can become rubbery if it’s overcooked or cooked at too high a temperature. Ensure you’re using the correct settings and cooking times specified in your recipe. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also yield more tender results as they have more fat and connective tissue.
Does a slow cooker get hot enough to cook chicken?
Yes, slow cookers are designed to reach temperatures high enough to safely cook chicken and other meats. Most slow cookers reach a temperature of about 190-200°F (88-93°C) on the low setting and around 300°F (149°C) on the high setting, which is sufficient for safe cooking.
Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low?
Not exactly. While both settings ultimately cook the food, the texture and flavor can vary. Slow cooking on low for 8 hours tends to yield more tender and flavorful results compared to cooking on high for 4 hours.
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours?
Yes, it is generally safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure the cooker is in good working condition. Many recipes are designed for extended cooking times, but always check your specific slow cooker’s instructions.
What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker?
Some vegetables, like delicate greens (spinach, lettuce) and quick-cooking vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers), can become mushy if cooked for too long in a slow cooker. It’s best to add these towards the end of the cooking time.
Do I need to add water when slow cooking chicken?
It depends on the recipe. Many slow cooker chicken recipes require some liquid, such as broth or tomatoes, to help create a flavorful cooking environment and prevent the chicken from drying out. Always follow the recipe instructions for the best results.
How long does slow cooker chicken take?
Chicken typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in a slow cooker. The exact time can vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces and your specific slow cooker.
Why is my slow cooker chicken always dry?
Slow cooker chicken can become dry if overcooked or if there’s not enough moisture in the recipe. To prevent dryness, ensure you’re using the appropriate cooking time, adding enough liquid, and considering cuts like thighs which are less prone to drying out than breasts.
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