Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of tender, juicy chicken Kiev, but don’t have the time to stand over a stove, a slow cooker can be a game-changer. With the slow cooker, you can achieve the same melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal effort. But how long should you cook chicken Kiev in a slow cooker?
The answer depends on a few factors, such as the size of your chicken breasts and the temperature of your slow cooker. However, as a general rule of thumb, cooking chicken Kiev in a slow cooker usually takes around 4 to 6 hours on low heat. This low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection.
It’s important to note that slow cookers can vary in heat intensity, so it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink in the middle.
Once the chicken Kiev is cooked, you can serve it as is, or pair it with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. The slow cooker will have transformed the chicken into a succulent and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
In conclusion, cooking chicken Kiev in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Although the cooking time may vary, cooking on low heat for 4 to 6 hours is a good starting point. Remember to always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Preparation
Preparing chicken kiev in a slow cooker is a simple and convenient way to achieve tender and flavorful results. Before starting the cooking process, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and ensure that the chicken is properly prepared.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make chicken kiev in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Prepare the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, you’ll need to butterfly each chicken breast. To do this, place the chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice it in half horizontally, stopping about half an inch before cutting all the way through. Open up the chicken breast like a book and pound it with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Spread a quarter of this mixture onto one side of each chicken breast.
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Spread the flour onto a plate.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This will help to seal in the filling and give the chicken a crispy exterior.
Once the chicken breasts are browned, carefully transfer them to the slow cooker. Ensure that they are arranged in a single layer.
You are now ready to cook the chicken kiev in the slow cooker. Simply set it to the desired cooking time, usually around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Remember to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Ingredients needed:
For the chicken kiev:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can adjust the amount of garlic, parsley, and seasoning according to your personal preference.
Cooking Instructions
To cook chicken Kiev in a slow cooker, follow these simple steps:
Preparation
- Ensure that your chicken Kievs are defrosted completely before cooking.
- Season the chicken Kievs with salt and pepper according to taste.
- If desired, you can also stuff the chicken Kievs with garlic butter or other fillings.
Cooking
Once you have prepared the chicken Kievs, you can proceed to cook them in the slow cooker:
- Place the chicken Kievs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Add any desired vegetables or seasonings to the slow cooker. This could include carrots, onions, or herbs.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken Kievs using a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Once the chicken Kievs are cooked, serve them immediately with your choice of sides. They can be served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious chicken Kiev cooked in a slow cooker!
Tips for a perfect result
Follow these tips to ensure that your chicken Kiev turns out perfectly cooked and delicious:
1. Use quality ingredients
Start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and quality butter. Using fresh herbs and good-quality bread crumbs will also enhance the taste of your chicken Kiev.
2. Butterfly the chicken breast
Butterflying the chicken breast will ensure that the filling is evenly distributed and will help the chicken cook more evenly. Take care not to cut all the way through the chicken breast.
3. Chill before cooking
After stuffing the chicken breast with the garlic butter filling, refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Chilling will help the chicken hold its shape during cooking and prevent the filling from leaking out.
4. Dredge in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs
Coat the stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip it into beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This triple coating will create a crispy outer layer when cooked.
5. Preheat the slow cooker
Always preheat your slow cooker before adding the chicken Kiev. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
6. Use a meat thermometer
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken Kiev. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
7. Let it rest
Allow the cooked chicken Kiev to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a perfect chicken Kiev in your slow cooker. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
Chicken Kiev is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
1. Mashed potatoes: Serve the Chicken Kiev on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combination.
2. Steamed vegetables: Pair the rich and flavorful Chicken Kiev with a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, and peas for a healthy and balanced meal.
3. Salad: Add a fresh touch to your meal by serving the Chicken Kiev with a side salad. A mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado drizzled with a light dressing will complement the dish perfectly.
4. Rice: Instead of mashed potatoes, you can serve the Chicken Kiev with a side of fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati rice.
5. Crusty bread: Enjoy the crispy exterior of the Chicken Kiev by serving it with slices of crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the garlic butter that oozes out of the chicken.
Note: Feel free to experiment with different side dishes and flavors to find your perfect combination. The options are endless!
Questions and answers
What is chicken Kiev?
Chicken Kiev is a dish made from pounded chicken breasts, filled with garlic butter, breaded, and then either baked or fried.
Can you cook chicken Kiev in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook chicken Kiev in a slow cooker. It is a convenient method as it allows the chicken to cook slowly and become tender. However, the breading may not become crispy in the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook chicken Kiev in a slow cooker?
Cooking time for chicken Kiev in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat for the chicken to cook through.
