How to slow cook chicken: Oven vs. slow cooker (2024)

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Learn how to cook succulent slow cooked chicken, whether it's in the oven or in a slow cooker. These tips and recipes will help you cook perfect slow cooked chicken for dinner!

How to slow cook chicken: Oven vs. slow cooker (6)

Slow Cooked Butter Chicken Sausages

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How to slow cook chicken

A slow-cooked chook is a thing of beauty – not only is it delicious, it’s also easy. All it takes is a little prep on your part and then the oven or slow cooker will do the rest while you get on with life. Follow our simple tips to find out why time is on your side the next time you have to get dinner ready.

How long do you slow cook chicken?

Chicken will cook much faster in the oven than in a slow cooker. When cooking in a slow cooker, the most important thing is to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular slow cooker, as all appliances vary.

A great rule of thumb is:

  • For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours
  • For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours

In the oven at 160°C, a whole chicken with vegetables will take up to 4 hours, whereas chicken pieces can be done in as little as 2 hours.

How do you slow cook chicken breast?

Chicken breasts are a lean cut and the key to slow cooking them without drying them out involves the right amount of moisture.

  • Add just enough liquid to come 1cm up the side of the bowl. Cover and cook on High for 2 ½-4 hours or on Low for 4-6 hours.
  • Chicken breast fillets can be placed directly into the slow cooker, but to create richer, deeper flavours and better visual appeal, first sear the chicken breast in a hot pan over medium-high heat on each side for 1-2 minutes.
  • For an easy one-pot meal, add vegetables and a simmer sauce like the Passage to India Punjabi Lemon Simmer Sauce.

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add other ingredients such as onion, garlic and enough liquid to come 1-2cm up the side of the bowl, cover and cook on High for 2-3 hours or Low for 3-6 hours.

Is it better to cook chicken slowly?

Chicken is a very versatile and lean meat with little fat or sinew, so it doesn’t need long cooking for it to become tender. Both quick high heat methods such as frying, and low, slow cooking are suitable.

Can I overcook chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, but the solution is extremely simple. Follow the recipe and manufacturer cooking time guidelines to ensure your chicken comes out juicy and tender every time. Chicken thighs take much longer toovercook in a slow cooker, so try them if you need a foolproof cut.

How do you slow cook chicken in the oven?

  1. Brown your chicken on both sides in a flameproof Dutch oven until golden to seal in the flavour.
  2. Alternatively, you can place raw chicken into an oven-proof casserole dish.
  3. Add root vegetables, fresh herbs and liquid, such as stock or wine.
  4. Cover and cook in a preheated low oven (160°C) for 2-4 hours depending on the cut you are cooking.

How do I know if my chicken is done cooking?

Raw chicken is definitely something we want to avoid, salmonella is not a good look for anyone. To ensure your chicken is good and cooked through:

  • Check that the chicken meat has changed colour and become white.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal meat temperatures are above 75°C.
  • Push a fork or knife into a thick part of the chicken. Cooked chicken will have clear juices rush to the surface. If the juices are pink or bloody, return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook for a further 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Should you flip the chicken in the slow cooker?

No, all you need to do is add all the ingredients into the slow cooker, cover and cook.

Slow cooker chicken recipes

Chicken is such a delicious, versatile and healthy option and there are a variety of ways to cook it. From Indian curries to Italian casseroles, it’s a protein that’s embraced by all cultures and appeals to most appetites. Now that you have mastered the art of slow cooking chicken, try some of these great chicken recipes here.

GET THE RECIPE: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore by Rosella

GET THE RECIPE: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Lasagne by Passage to India

GET THE RECIPE: Creamy One Pot Roast Chicken by Western Star

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How to slow cook chicken: Oven vs. slow cooker (2024)

FAQs

Can you slow cook on oven like a slow cooker? ›

If you are making a “slow cooker recipe” in your oven, you'll want to add a bit more liquid to your pot. And you'll adjust the liquid for the type of cooking vessel you are using, for example a heavy cast-iron dutch oven will retain more moisture than a casserole dish.

Can I use a low oven instead of a slow cooker? ›

In comparison, when using an oven as a slow cooker, you'll typically set the temperature between 325°F (similar to the low setting) and 375°F (resembling the high setting). Opt for a heavy, oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid, like a Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven, to mimic the moisture retention of a slow cooker.

What oven temperature is equivalent to a slow cooker? ›

Don't worry, the math is simple division. For low setting, divide the time by 4 and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. For high setting, divide the time by 2 and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it better to slow cook in oven? ›

Meat, especially large cuts, benefits the most from oven slow cooking. Because moisture loss is minimal, it can help to brown the meat first, either on the stove top or in a hot oven that you then significantly drop for the rest of the cook time.

What does it mean to cook in a slow oven? ›

slow oven in American English

an oven heated to a relatively low temperature, for slow, or gradual, cooking.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

What is the low oven temperature for slow cooking? ›

Low oven temperature: low oven temperature is considered to be between 120-150°C and is good for slow roasting and tenderising tough cuts of meat. This is akin to a slow cook temperature in the oven if you don't have a slow cooker.

What is the equivalent of 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

Adapting recipes
Time Chart for Adapting Recipes
If the recipe says:Cook on LOW:Cook on HIGH:
15-30 minutes4-6 hours1 1/2-2 hours
35-45 minutes6-10 hours3-4 hours
50 minutes to 3 hours8-16 hours4-6 hours

Is 3 hours on high the same as 6 on low crockpot? ›

If a recipe calls for cooking on the HIGH setting for three hours, you can cook it for seven hours on the LOW setting instead. Or if a recipe calls for eight hours on HIGH, it can be cooked for up to 12 hours on LOW.

What temperature to slow cook meat in the oven? ›

I usually start with the oven at 80°C (176°F) and then see how it goes. If it seems like it will not be finished in time, I turn up the temperature to 100°C (212°F). I can also be found to, once in a while, to turn it all the way up to 120°C (248°F). But never any more than that.

What temperature is considered a slow oven? ›

For example, a cool oven has temperature set to 200 °F (90 °C), and a slow oven has a temperature range from 300–325 °F (150–160 °C). A moderate oven has a range of 350–375 °F (180–190 °C), and a hot oven has temperature set to 400–450 °F (200–230 °C).

How to cook in the oven instead of a slow cooker? ›

How to Slow Cook with Your Oven: Temperature & Time
  1. Low Oven Temperature Water boils at 212F/100C, right? That means we want to slow-cook at 210F or 220F for an all-day cook or slightly higher 240F or 250F for a shorter cooking time. ...
  2. Long Cooking Time The time range can be 8-10 hours or 4-6 hours.

Which is more efficient slow cooker or oven? ›

Not only are slow cookers ideal for people who want to leave dinner to simmer away and attend to other errands, they work out to be one of the cheapest appliances to cook with in the kitchen. The electricity usage of an electric oven is estimated to be around two to 2.2kWh, compared to a slow cooker at just 0.7kWh.

Is roast better in crockpot or oven? ›

Is roast better in the Crock-Pot or oven? It's delicious both ways. If you want to give your crock-pot a whirl, here's a slow cooker pot roast recipe for you. But pot roast is plenty easy to make in the oven!

How do I slow cook if I don't have a slow cooker? ›

As for what kind of pot to use, most commenters agreed that a heavy casserole dish or Dutch oven would do the job nicely. One person particularly recommended using a cast-iron Dutch oven for its ability to evenly distribute heat and for the fact that it supposedly imparts a better flavor on the food.

What temperature do you slow cook meat at in the oven? ›

The next best practice is to roast between 80°C (176°F) and 120°C (250°F) for an appropriate amount of time. This is the method I typically use when I roast red meat. You can also vary the temperature according to when the meat should be done.

Can you use a roasting oven as a slow cooker? ›

Roaster Ovens. In addition to roasting and baking, you can always use the NESCO® Roaster Oven as a slow cooker by simply setting the temperature control in the 200°F range and stirring often. For additional browning of meat or poultry, mix 1/4 cup melted margarine with 1 tsp. browning sauce and brush on before roasting ...

Can you put a Crockpot in the oven? ›

The crocks are microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. Do not use on stovetop. Helpful Hint: Crocks are vulnerable to thermal shock, which is a condition caused by extreme changes in temperature. Never put a hot crock in cold water.

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