Olivia Carter
Welcome to our guide on cooking hunters chicken in a slow cooker. This popular dish, also known as chicken chasseur, combines tender chicken with a rich tomato and mushroom sauce. The slow cooker method allows for the flavors to meld together over a long cooking time, resulting in a deliciously comforting meal. In this article, we will discuss the ideal cooking time for hunters chicken in a slow cooker, ensuring that your dish comes out perfectly every time.
Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for achieving tender, flavorful chicken dishes. By cooking the chicken low and slow, it has the opportunity to become incredibly tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The slow cooker also allows for the flavors of the dish to develop and intensify as they simmer together. Hunters chicken is traditionally made with chicken thighs, which are ideal for slow cooking as they retain their moisture and flavor throughout the cooking process.
The recommended cooking time for hunters chicken in a slow cooker is approximately 6-8 hours on low heat. This longer cooking time allows for the chicken to fully cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce. It is important to note that slow cooker cooking times can vary depending on the specific make and model, so it is always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular slow cooker.
When cooking hunters chicken in a slow cooker, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to accurately gauge the doneness of the chicken. Once the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature, it should be tender and juicy, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite sides.
Preparation
Before you start cooking the hunters chicken in a slow cooker, there are a few important steps to make sure you have everything ready and prepared. Follow these simple instructions to ensure a successful and delicious meal.
Ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the hunters chicken recipe. Here’s what you will need:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 |
| Smoked bacon | 8 slices |
| Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup (shredded) |
| Onion | 1 (chopped) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Preparation Steps
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the hunters chicken before cooking in the slow cooker:
- Preheat your slow cooker on the low heat setting.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of smoked bacon, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
- In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the preheated slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the slow cooker from the heat.
- Serve the hunters chicken hot and enjoy!
By following these preparation steps, you will be able to make a delicious hunters chicken in your slow cooker. Enjoy the savory flavors and tender chicken in every bite!
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 cup of tomato passata
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Process
When cooking Hunters Chicken in a slow cooker, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure a delicious and tender dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook Hunters Chicken in a slow cooker:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the recipe, including chicken breasts, bacon, barbecue sauce, cheese, and any desired seasonings or spices. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut the bacon into small strips.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Bacon
For added flavor, you can choose to sear the chicken and bacon before placing them in the slow cooker. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts until browned on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and repeat the process with the bacon strips until crispy.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, layer the seared chicken breasts and cooked bacon strips in the slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, ensuring that the chicken and bacon are fully coated. Add any additional seasonings or spices at this stage, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the Hunters Chicken for approximately 6-8 hours. Allow the dish to simmer and marinate in the flavors, resulting in a tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the Hunters Chicken in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Once done, remove the slow cooker and serve the Hunters Chicken hot.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to cook a tasty and satisfying Hunters Chicken in a slow cooker. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and tender dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook the perfect Hunters Chicken in your slow cooker:
1. Choose the right cut of chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful results. Chicken breasts can also be used, but they may dry out more easily.
2. Brown the chicken before slow cooking: For an extra depth of flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil before transferring it to the slow cooker. This will help develop a delicious caramelized crust on the chicken.
3. Use bacon or pancetta: Adding bacon or pancetta to the dish will infuse it with a smoky flavor. You can either cook the bacon separately and crumble it on top of the chicken, or wrap individual chicken pieces with bacon before placing them in the slow cooker.
4. Season generously: Hunters Chicken is all about rich flavors, so don’t be shy with the seasoning. Opt for a combination of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other herbs or spices you enjoy.
5. Add liquid: To prevent the chicken from drying out, add some liquid to your slow cooker. This can be chicken broth, beer, or even a combination of barbecue sauce and water. The liquid will help keep the chicken moist and infuse it with additional flavors.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours: Slow cooking is all about low and slow. Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and let the chicken simmer for 6-8 hours. This will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
7. Baste with sauce: About halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with some of the cooking liquid or barbecue sauce. This will help the flavors penetrate the chicken and create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
8. Serve with your favorite sides: Hunters Chicken is traditionally served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, but feel free to get creative with your sides. Coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple green salad can all be delicious accompaniments to this hearty dish.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious and tender Hunters Chicken in your slow cooker every time. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Hunters Chicken is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to think about how to serve this delicious dish. There are several serving suggestions that can complement the flavors of the chicken and make it a complete meal.
1. Side Dishes
Pairing Hunters Chicken with the right side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are a few options to consider:
- Roasted Potatoes: Serve your Hunters Chicken with crispy and golden roasted potatoes. The buttery and soft interior of the potatoes will balance out the smoky flavors of the chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with almost any meat. The rich texture will complement the tender chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: A plate of steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans will add color and freshness to the dish. The crisp texture of the vegetables will provide a nice contrast to the juicy chicken.
2. Salad
A light and refreshing salad can help balance out the rich and hearty flavors of the Hunters Chicken. Consider serving it with a crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw. The freshness of the greens and the acidity of the dressing will provide a pleasant contrast to the savory chicken.
You can also add some crunchy croutons or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
3. Bread
Don’t forget about a fresh loaf of bread to mop up all the delicious sauce from the Hunters Chicken. A crusty baguette or some warm dinner rolls will be perfect for savoring every last bit of flavor.
If you want to get creative, you can also make some garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to serve alongside the chicken.
Remember to adjust the serving suggestions according to your preferences and dietary restrictions.
Questions and answers
How long should I cook hunters chicken in the slow cooker?
Hunters chicken should be cooked in the slow cooker for about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.
Can I cook hunters chicken in the slow cooker overnight?
Yes, you can cook hunters chicken in the slow cooker overnight. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook it for 8-10 hours.
