How to cook in a slow cooker

Did you know that there are easier ways to cook your food? One of them is by using a slow cooker. To those of you who are not familiar with it, a slow cooker uses a low-temperature cooking method to help tenderize less-expensive cuts of meats which will then bring out the flavor in your meals. Furthermore, a wide variety of foods can be cooked in a slow cooker which includes one-pot meals, soups, stews, and casseroles! And if you are looking for a cooking method that does not require a lot of pre-preparation, then a slow cooker will be your new best friend.

However, just like any other cooking method and equipment, there are certain actions and steps to follow to make the best out of your slow cooker. Here are some tips:

Don’t skip preheating. This is the most commonly overlooked step yet you should know that a slow cooker is like a small oven so preheating it for about 20 minutes will matter a lot.
Start with room temperature meat. Like other cooking methods, starting with cold meat is not recommended. Room temperature meat is more flexible and the meat’s natural juices will be evenly distributed.
Choose the right cut. It is good to know that leaner cuts like pork tenderloin will tend to dry out in a slow cooker (or any cooking method). Likewise, dark meat chicken will remain juicer than white-meat breasts. And chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders, and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker.
Avoid overcrowding. For the best results, fill a slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds full.

CrockPot Comfort Food Recipes

Crockpot chicken recipes

There are many benefits and reasons as to why you may want to use your slow cooker for certain meals. A top reason would be is that slow cookers help tenderize less-expensive cuts of meat and actually brings out the flavor in foods. And in this case, chicken would be perfect. While chicken is meant to be slow-cooked from raw, many do like to just brown or sear it first. This can help to lock in moisture, speed up cooking time, or simply to improve the visual appearance of the finished dish. Keep in mind that chicken will release a lot of liquid during cooking.

Here is an easy chicken slow cooker recipe you can follow:

Ingredients

4 Chicken breasts;

2 red onions, sliced;

1 tbsp. chilli powder;

1/2 tbsp. paprika;

2 tsp. garlic powder;

Salt

Black pepper;

Preparation

In a bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, and garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Rub the chicken breasts with the chili powder mixture.

Arrange the onions in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Place the chicken breasts on top of the bed of onions, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Brush the chicken breasts with the liquid from the bottom of the slow cooker and serve.

Healthy crockpot comfort food recipes

We all have those days where we all just want to sit on our sofa with our blanket while munching our favorite comfort food. And if you have a slow cooker in your house, then the process will be much easier. With that said, here are healthy crockpot comfort food recipes you will enjoy.

15. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Chili

This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Chili recipe has a little bit of a kick, but a bit of cheese and cream cheese helps mellow everything out at the end. You get that comforting chili heat, but it’s not overly spicy — just super flavorful.

Check it here.

14. Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Seared, seasoned and slow cooked beef teams up with a thick beef sauce, mushrooms, onion, and egg noodles to make this classic beef and noodles dish.

Check it here.

13. The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe

This easy crockpot chili recipe is loaded with beans, ground beef, and seasonings. It really is the best slow cooker chili recipe ever!

Check it here.

12. Ham and Bean Slow Cooker Soup – Recipe

When it’s cold outside, we are often making a hearty soup. Soup warms a person up like nothing else can and it’s usually very inexpensive to make. We love this Ham and Bean Slow Cooker Soup!

Check it here.

11. Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

An absolutely delicious copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe you can make right at home in your slow cooker.

Check it here.

10. Slow Cooker Pulled Beef

With cooler weather comes savory, comforting food! It’s officially fall here in Kansas City and the weather has me craving food just like this Slow Cooker Pulled Beef. Yes, you read correctly – pulled BEEF!

Check it here.

9. Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes Stew With Shrimp

This slow cooker Sausage and Potatoes recipe is sure to become a family favorite in your home. A simple, comforting recipe for your slow cooker that’s full of flavor and will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. Sausage, potatoes, and shrimp in a delicious creamy homemade cajun sauce make this recipe a must try.

Check it here.

8. Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup is a comfort dish made with Russet potatoes, onion, Velveeta, and garlic topped with crispy bacon pieces, sharp cheddar cheese and chives.

Check it here.

7. Crock-Pot Turkey Chili

Crock-Pot Turkey Chili is made in the slow cooker with three beans, lean ground turkey, bell pepper, yellow onion, seasonings and tomatoes. Top with whatever goodies your family enjoys including sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla strips.

Check it here.

6. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s made entirely in your slow cooker. This cheesy chicken dip is flavored with ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce.

Check it here.

5. Slow Cooker Chili

Slow cooker chili is a hearty stew filled with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spices in a tomato sauce. This beef chili recipe is hearty, filling, and an easy family favorite dinner.

Check it here.

4. Slow Cooker Green and White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Green and White Chicken Chili is an easy and healthy meal to make for your family. Garnish with delicious toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado to dress up this flavorful soup!

Check it here.

3. Gluten-Free Dutch Oven Beef Stew (Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Versions)

This gluten free beef stew in a dutch oven simmers juicy pieces of beef in a savory tomato thyme broth with tender pieces of potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and peas. This beef stew can also be made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker and is topped with fresh herbs and cheese and is perfect to dip fresh crusty breads into!

Check it here.

2. Slow Cooker Skinny Loaded Baked Potato Soup (Gluten Free)

This gluten-free slow cooker skinny loaded baked potato soup will fill you up with all its’ thick and creamy comforts! Hearty potatoes, garlic, and a sprinkle of bacon leave everyone wanting more!

Check it here.

1. Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is filled with lots of chicken, wild rice and veggies for one comforting meal that’s sure to warm you up on the coldest of days. It’s like a big ol’ hug in a bowl!

Check it here.