Alexandra Ramirez
Introduction
If you already have a slow cooker, you are probably familiar with many of its benefits. If you do not have one yet, you really ought to consider getting one. The longer cooking time allowed by slow cookers helps to distribute flavors throughout the entire dish evenly. It is nearly impossible to scorch your food in a crock pot because the temperature is so low. If you often cook for a lot of people, a slow cooker can be used for some dishes to free up your oven. This especially comes in handy around the holidays.
Tougher cuts of meat are easily tenderized during the slow cooking process. The slow cooker is also more energy efficient, and will not heat your kitchen up in the uncomfortable way that ovens can. You can leave a slow cooker on all day with your dinner in it while you go to work or run errands.
With its many advantages, it is a wonder that not everyone has a crock pot. An additional advantage is that many crockpot recipes, like the ones listed below, require no extra dishes to prepare the meal. This means you save time on both preparing and washing.
Chicken is an especially good option in the slow cooker. Say goodbye to dry, tough chicken, and hello to moist, flavorful, succulent chicken.
Tex Mex Chicken
Everyone is familiar with Tex-Mex style dishes. They take the best of Mexican and Texas cooking and combine them into something that truly rises above expectations. This recipe is extremely simple. You will need:
- 1 and ½ pound of boneless chicken thighs
- 15 ounces of black beans
- 15 ounces of whole kernel corn
- 4 ounces of mild green chile pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of extra chunky salsa
- 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
After removing any excess fat from the chicken thighs, place them in the crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients, and stir just enough to blend. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
This recipe is best served with rice and a salad.
Asian Style Chicken Wings
You may be shocked by this, but you can actually cook delicious chicken wings right in your crock pot. These wings are easy to prepare and are coated in an Asian style sauce that is sure to please everyone in the crowd. Bring these to your next tailgate party. You will need:
- Approximately 18 whole chicken wings, separated at the joints
- ⅓ cup of soy sauce
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 2 thinly sliced green onions
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Wash the chicken wing segments and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Put the chicken into the crockpot. In a separate bowl, combine the other ingredients and mix well. Add the sauce to the crockpot and toss the wings to coat them evenly. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7 hours.
Crockpot Chicken Stew
This recipe is perfect for preparing in the morning before work and leaving to cook until you return home. Your entire meal, including the side, is cooked entirely in the crockpot. This means less cleanup than a stove-cooked meal. You will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 pounds of white potatoes, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium online, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cumin
Wash the chicken and dry it thoroughly with paper towels. Put the vegetables in the crockpot along with half of the melted butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. Add the paprika, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, honey, salt, and cumin to the rest of the melted butter. Mix this to combine and rub it into the chicken. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7 hours.
While these recipes may be tried and true, nothing is stopping you from experimenting with them or even creating your own versions. Cooking in a crockpot is extremely forgiving, and you can add or take away any ingredients you like to adjust the dish to your family’s taste. Anybody can do it!
