How Long to Slow Cook a Chicken for Maximum Juiciness and Flavor

Slow cooking chicken is one of the easiest most flavorful ways to prepare this versatile ingredient. By cooking chicken low and slow in a slow cooker the meat becomes incredibly moist, tender and infused with flavor. However, one of the most common questions is just how long should you slow cook chicken to get the best results? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide tips, guidelines and cooking times to help you slow cook chicken to juicy, flavorful perfection every time.

The Benefits of Slow Cooking Chicken

First. let’s look at why you should consider slow cooking chicken in the first place

• Convenience – Once you add the ingredients to the slow cooker, it does all the work for you. No need to slave over a hot stove or oven. Just set it and forget it.

• Tender and juicy meat – The low, slow cooking breaks down the proteins in chicken, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat.

• Infuses flavor – As chicken slowly simmers in liquid, the meat absorbs all those delicious herbs, spices and other flavorings.

• More nutrients stay intact – Slow cooking chicken doesn’t require high, sustained heat like roasting or grilling, so more of the nutrients stay intact.

• Can be used for all day cooking because it can be left on for up to 10 hours without any problems. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Factors that Determine Slow Cook Times

The following things should help you figure out how long to slow cook chicken:

Type of Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The leanest cut that cooks the fastest. Needs less time in the slow cooker.

• Bone-in chicken pieces – Take longer to become tender. Bones and skin insulate the meat.

• Whole chicken – Will take the longest cook time. Must reach safe internal temp.

Amount of Chicken

• Smaller portions – Will cook faster. A single chicken breast may take only 2-3 hours on low.

• Larger quantities – Will require more time to cook through. A whole chicken could need 6+ hours.

Preparation of Chicken

• Frozen – Never put frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Must be thawed first which adds cook time.

• Refrigerated – Chicken straight from the fridge takes less time than frozen.

• Room temperature – Decreases overall cook time. Let chicken sit out while you prep other ingredients.

Other Ingredients

• Lots of liquid – Helps to simmer and tenderize the chicken faster.

• Added vegetables – Vegetables cook slower so may increase total cook time.

• Sauces and seasonings – Can tenderize and add flavor but won’t significantly alter cook time.

Slow Cooker Temperature Settings

Nearly all slow cookers have a LOW and HIGH setting:

• LOW – Cooks at around 190°F. Foods cook slower at this setting.

• HIGH – Cooks at approximately 250°F. Foods cook about twice as fast.

For chicken, either setting can be used. LOW provides a gentler heat, while HIGH speeds up cooking.

How Long to Cook Different Cuts of Chicken

Now let’s look at approximate cook times for different types of chicken. Remember, times can vary based on the factors above.

Chicken Breasts

Delicate chicken breasts should not cook for extended periods or they can dry out.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 2 to 3 hours on LOW or 1 to 2 hours on HIGH

• Bone-in, split chicken breasts – 3 to 4 hours on LOW or 1.5 to 2 hours on HIGH

Chicken Thighs, Legs and Wings

These dark meat cuts are perfect for slow cooking since they stay juicier.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – 4 to 5 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH

• Bone-in chicken thighs – 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH

• Chicken legs – 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH

• Chicken wings – 4 to 5 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH

Whole Chicken

Allow ample time for a whole bird to cook through and tenderize.

• Whole chicken – 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 4 to 6 hours on HIGH

Tips for Preventing Overcooked Chicken

It can be easy to overcook chicken in the slow cooker if left unattended for too long. Here are some tips to prevent dry, overcooked chicken:

• Don’t cook chicken for longer than the recommended times above. Start checking it sooner.

• Make sure chicken reaches safe internal temp of 165°F before removing from heat. Use a meat thermometer.

• Cut chicken breasts in half so they cook faster and more evenly in the center.

• Add liquid like broth and extra veggies to help keep chicken moist.

• Cook on LOW which provides a gentler heat less likely to overcook.

• If using HIGH, check chicken sooner and reduce overall cook time.

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.

Marinating, Browning and Resting Chicken

A few extra steps before and after slow cooking can maximize flavor and moisture:

• Marinate chicken for 30 mins to overnight in the fridge. Adds extra flavor.

• Brown chicken before slow cooking to give it color and create fond at the bottom of the slow cooker.

• Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes after cooking. Carryover cooking occurs and juices redistribute.

Food Safety with Raw Chicken

When handling raw chicken:

• Always wash hands, utensils and surfaces after touching. Raw chicken can have harmful bacteria.

• Never cook frozen chicken on LOW. Must thaw first then use HIGH setting only.

• Use chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing it. Freeze extra portions immediately.

• Make sure chicken reaches minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Using Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken

Leftover slow cooked chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are ideas for putting it to use:

• Shred or chop chicken and add to salads, sandwiches, pitas, tacos or pizza.

• Make chicken salad or chicken dip by mixing with mayo, herbs and spices.

• Make soup with leftover chicken, veggies and broth. Just simmer on the stove until heated through.

• Use in breakfast dishes like burritos, omelets, casseroles or fried rice.

• Simmer in barbecue sauce and use for sliders, nachos or baked potatoes.

• Freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

Hopefully this guide gives you a better understanding of how long to slow cook chicken for optimal tenderness, juiciness and flavor. The most important points to remember are:

• Cook delicate chicken breasts for only 2-4 hours to prevent drying out

• Chicken thighs, legs and wings can cook for 4-6+ hours until fall-off-the-bone tender

• A whole chicken needs ample time of 6-8 hours to become tender

• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F

• Prevent overcooking by not exceeding recommended cook times

• Add liquid, marinate and rest chicken for maximum moisture and flavor

Slow cooking chicken is simple, delicious and hands-off. By mastering the ideal timing for different cuts, you’ll enjoy fork-tender chicken any night of the week. Give it a try using the guidelines above and enjoy the juiciest chicken you’ve ever made. Your family will thank you!