Introduction to Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Chicken Breast?
A slow cooker’s low and steady heat breaks down the collagen in the meat, resulting in more flavorful and succulent chicken. Slow cookers are also incredibly convenient and energy-efficient. Not only can you toss in your ingredients without hovering over your meal, but you’ll also have the added comfort of using less electricity. If you’re looking to learn new chicken recipes without using every appliance in your kitchen, your slow cooker has you covered.
Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Teriyaki Chicken Breast
Teriyaki chicken breast is a popular choice that combines the teriyaki’s sweetness with chicken’s tenderness. A slow cooker will bring out the best in each ingredient, helping you effortlessly achieve a flavorful and succulent dish.
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the cooker and covering them with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. Add in some sliced onions and garlic for extra flavor. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked completely through. Serve the teriyaki chicken breast over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Thai Red Curry Chicken Breast
The combination of creamy coconut milk, fragrant Thai red curry paste, and tender chicken breast creates a spicy and aromatic dish that’ll transport your taste buds to Thailand.
To make Thai red curry chicken breast in a slow cooker, start by adding chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onions to the cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Serve the Thai red curry chicken breast over steamed jasmine rice.
Mediterranean-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Lemon and Herb Chicken Breast
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon will tenderize the chicken, giving it a tangy flavor. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender. Serve the lemon and herb chicken breast with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a light meal.
Greek Style Chicken Breast with Olives and Feta
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker with sliced Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The salty and briny olives paired with the creamy feta cheese will elevate the meat’s flavors. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve the Greek style chicken breast over a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside a Greek salad for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Latin American-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Mexican Chipotle Chicken Breast
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Combine diced tomatoes, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, and oregano in the slow cooker. Once you’re done with that, place the seasoned chicken breasts alongside your veggies and spices, spooning sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tenderized. Serve the chicken with your favorite Mexican sides like rice, beans, and tortillas. The chicken will be infused with the chipotle peppers’ smoky and spicy flavors, creating a meal that’s undeniably delicious and satisfying.
Brazilian Coconut Lime Chicken Breast
If you’re in the mood for something tropical and refreshing, take a crack at Brazilian coconut lime chicken breast. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a slow cooker, combine coconut milk, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, before adding the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. The combination of coconut, lime, and spices will transport your taste buds to Brazilian beaches.
Middle Eastern-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Moroccan Spiced Chicken Breast
To make this dish, simply season your chicken breasts with a mixture of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker along with diced onions, garlic, and a can of diced tomatoes. Let the flavors meld together on low heat for several hours until the chicken is infused with the fragrant Moroccan spices. When your chicken is finished cooking, pair it with fluffy couscous or warm pita bread.
Lebanese Garlic and Herb Chicken Breast
To infuse your chicken breasts with Lebanese flavors, prepare a marinade using a generous amount of minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, mint, and oregano. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture and marinate them overnight, to maximize the flavors. Once marinated, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker along with some sliced onions and a splash of chicken broth. Let it cook on low heat until the chicken is juicy. Pair it with a side of fluffy basmati rice or a fresh tabbouleh salad for a meal that’s as healthy as it is flavorful.
Tips on Creating Your Own Unique Flavor Combinations
While we’ve shared some fantastic recipes featuring international flavors for slow cooker chicken breast, we also encourage our readers to get creative and try their own flavor combinations. The slow cooker is an excellent tool for experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings.
For a tangy twist, try marinating the chicken breast in a mixture of citrus juices, such as lemon, lime, and/or orange, before placing it in the slow cooker. The citrus fruits’ acidity will help tenderize the meat while adding a zesty taste. Combining ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and garlic can create an Asian-inspired slow cooker chicken breast that will be a hit at any dinner table while those who prefer a spicy kick could add some poblano peppers or chili powder to their dish.
Ultimately, the key to successful experimentation is to start with small amounts of ingredients and adjust to taste. By being adventurous and open-minded, readers can create their own signature slow cooker chicken breast dish that will leave their family and friends coming back for seconds.
