Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of hearty and delicious meals that are also easy to make, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. Hunters chicken is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with smoky bacon and tangy barbecue sauce. And the best part? You can make it in your slow cooker, which means you can come home to a delicious meal after a long day.
Using a slow cooker is a great way to infuse your food with deep, rich flavors, and it’s especially perfect for hunters chicken. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Plus, it gives you the freedom to set it and forget it, so you can go about your day while your meal cooks itself.
To make hunters chicken in the slow cooker, start by browning the chicken and bacon to add some extra flavor. Then, place the chicken and bacon in the slow cooker and pour over your favorite barbecue sauce. Add some onions and garlic for additional depth of flavor, and let it cook on low for several hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors are fully developed.
When it’s time to serve, you can enjoy hunters chicken on its own, or pair it with some mashed potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and juicy chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without all the hassle!
Preparing Hunters Chicken
Before you start cooking Hunters Chicken in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the ingredients and gather everything you’ll need. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious meal:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the chicken breasts.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top of the chicken breasts. Cover the slow cooker and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve the Hunters Chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly prepared Hunters Chicken ready to be enjoyed. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken is tender and flavorful, making it a delicious and easy meal option.
Tips and Tricks for Tender Chicken
When cooking Hunters Chicken, ensuring that the chicken turns out tender and juicy is crucial. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:
1. Select the right cut of chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the slow cooker. They have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
2. Use a marinade: Marinating the chicken before cooking can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade made with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil can do wonders for the texture and taste of the chicken.
3. Brown the chicken: Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, consider browning the meat in a skillet. This step helps seal in the juices and adds a layer of flavor to the chicken.
4. Cook on low heat: For tender chicken, it’s best to cook Hunters Chicken on low heat in the slow cooker. This allows the meat to cook slowly and become tender without drying out.
5. Don’t overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the chicken, as it can result in dry and tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which is the safe minimum for poultry.
6. Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, succulent Hunters Chicken straight from your slow cooker.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to cooking Hunters Chicken in the slow cooker, the key to a delicious dish starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Chicken
For this recipe, you’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The slow cooker will tenderize the meat, making it juicy and full of flavor. Make sure to trim any excess fat before adding the chicken to the slow cooker.
2. BBQ Sauce
The BBQ sauce is the star of the dish, so it’s important to choose a high-quality sauce that you enjoy. You can either use store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version. Opt for a sauce that has a good balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
3. Bacon
Bacon adds a rich and savory element to the dish. You’ll want to use streaky bacon, which will become crispy when cooked in the slow cooker. Look for bacon that is not too thick or too thin, as it will cook best in the slow cooker.
4. Cheese
Cheese is the finishing touch that brings everything together. You’ll want to use a melting cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to achieve that gooey and indulgent texture. Grate the cheese before adding it to the dish for easier melting.
By choosing high-quality ingredients, you’ll ensure that your Hunters Chicken in the slow cooker turns out to be a crowd-pleasing and delicious meal.
| Ingredients: |
|---|
| Chicken breasts |
| BBQ sauce |
| Bacon |
| Cheese |
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step in adding flavor and moisture to your hunter’s chicken dish. It helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken perfectly:
1. Choose the right marinade
The marinade you choose will greatly impact the taste of your hunter’s chicken. You can either use a store-bought marinade or make your own. Popular marinade options include barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a blend of herbs and spices. Make sure to select a marinade that complements the flavors you desire in your dish.
2. Prep the chicken
Cut the chicken into pieces that are suitable for your slow cooker. You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even breast if you prefer white meat. Make sure to remove any excess fat or bones before marinating the chicken.
3. Coat the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a ziplock bag to marinate. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is fully coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it reaches every nook and cranny. This will ensure that every bite is full of flavor.
4. Let it marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the ziplock bag tightly. Refrigerate the chicken, allowing it to marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will give the flavors enough time to penetrate the meat and make it truly succulent.
5. Optional: Add extra ingredients
If you want to enhance the flavor even further, you can consider adding additional ingredients to the marinade. This can include minced garlic, chopped onions, fresh herbs, or a dash of vinegar. Be creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.
Once you’ve marinated the chicken, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in cooking your hunter’s chicken in the slow cooker. The marinade will ensure that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful throughout the slow cooking process, resulting in a mouthwatering meal.
Cooking Hunters Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Hunters chicken is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed all year round. With its tender chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 8 slices of smoky bacon
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of smoky bacon.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to mix.
3. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they are completely covered with the sauce mixture.
4. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate.
6. Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
7. Serve the chicken with the thickened sauce on top, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- If you prefer a crispier bacon, you can place the cooked chicken under a broiler for a few minutes before serving.
- This dish goes well with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables.
- You can customize the sauce by adding spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours 10 minutes | 4 |
Questions and answers
What is hunters chicken?
Hunters chicken, also known as chicken chasseur, is a classic dish made with chicken, bacon, onions, mushrooms, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Can I cook hunters chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, absolutely! Cooking hunters chicken in a slow cooker is a great way to infuse all the flavors together and make the chicken tender and juicy.
What ingredients do I need to cook hunters chicken in the slow cooker?
You will need chicken thighs or breasts, bacon, onions, mushrooms, garlic, chicken stock, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to cook hunters chicken in the slow cooker?
It usually takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat to cook hunters chicken in the slow cooker.
Can I make any variations to the traditional hunters chicken recipe when cooking in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can add your own twist to the recipe by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots, or by using different herbs and spices to season the chicken.
