Spicy Slow Cooked Chicken Breast - Tender & Flavorful!
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat8gram
Protein32gram
Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts4 pieces
- olive oil2 tbsp
- chili powder (choose fresh and vibrant)1 tbsp
- paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on preference)1 tbsp
- ground cumin1 tsp
- ground black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)1/2 tsp
- garlic powder1 tsp
- onion powder1 tsp
- cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)1/4 tsp
- salt1 tsp
- fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)a handful n/a
This Spicy Slow Cooked Chicken Breast recipe is perfect for home cooks wanting a simple, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The chicken breasts become succulent and tender thanks to slow cooking combined with a spicy, aromatic rub. With clear guidance on food safety, including recommended internal temperatures, this recipe ensures delicious and safe results every time. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $8 USD, €7.5, £6.5, and ₹600, serving 4 people. The dish contains about 280 kcal per serving, rich in protein, and is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Difficulty level is easy, with about 15 minutes preparation time and 4 hours cooking time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Spice Rub
1In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, paprika, cumin, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. This blend will give your chicken a balanced spicy and smoky flavor.
Coat the Chicken
2Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the rub stick better. Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the spice mixture over the breasts, coating all sides generously. This ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors while cooking.
Set Up the Slow Cooker
3Place the coated chicken breasts into the slow cooker in a single layer. Avoid overlapping to promote even cooking. Secure the lid before turning the cooker on.
Cook the Chicken
4Cook on low heat for 4 hours. Low and slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows the spices to infuse thoroughly. Avoid opening the lid often, as this lets heat escape and prolongs cooking.
Check Doneness Safely
5After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of each chicken breast using a food-safe meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for poultry is 75°C (165°F). If not reached, continue cooking and recheck every 20 minutes.
Rest and Serve
6Once the chicken reaches the safe temperature, remove from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the meat juicy. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips
-Use a digital instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness accurately and ensure safety.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods.
-For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
-You can substitute chicken thighs but adjust the cooking time as thighs may need longer to become tender.
-Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or forks for handling chicken
- Cutting board
- Knife
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~$5.00) - Choose fresh, plump breasts with no discoloration.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50) - Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor.
- [ ] Chili powder (~$0.20) - Check expiration date for freshness.
- [ ] Paprika (~$0.20) - Smoked paprika adds a unique depth.
- [ ] Ground cumin (~$0.15) - Freshly ground or pre-ground whole cumin.
- [ ] Ground black pepper (~$0.10) - Freshly ground is best.
- [ ] Garlic powder (~$0.10)
- [ ] Onion powder (~$0.10)
- [ ] Cayenne pepper (~$0.05) - Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- [ ] Salt (~$0.05) - Regular table or sea salt.
- [ ] Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) (~$1.00) - Adds a fresh garnish.
Total estimated cost: ~$7.45
Tips: When buying spices, check their aroma and date to ensure freshness for the best flavor results.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and accurate timing. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking or require additional cooking time.
How can I store leftovers safely?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Consume within 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What should I do if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake the spice-coated chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Cover with foil to keep them moist.
How do I avoid dry chicken when slow cooking?
Slow cooking at low temperature preserves moisture. Coating the chicken with olive oil and not overcooking helps keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.