• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Forks and Folly

Food. Fun. Fun with your Food.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

  • Home
  • About
  • Food
  • Folly
    • Crafting
    • Decor
    • Fitness
    • Lifestyle
  • F&F Series
    • Kitchen Stories
    • 52 Weeks of Sweets
    • F&F Around the World
  • Collaborate
  • Contact

March 20, 2018 Folly

Crock Pot Cooking: Why You’re Doing it Wrong

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

I love an easy supper, which is what using the slow cooker promises.  Dump some meat, a few veggies, and a sauce in the crock, select the temperature, and dinner is ready at the end of the day.  Plus, the house smells incredible.

There are just a few things I take issue with when it comes to crock pot cooking.  For one, everything tends to have the same texture… soft.   There’s usually a lot of “crud” in the sauce.  And, if you’re not careful, that meat that you want to get oh-so-tender gets dried out.  Even though it’s sitting in a liquid bath.  Grrrr.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Sound familiar?  If not, awesome! But, if like me, slow cooker meals often leave you wanting more, check out these tips for the perfect crockpot meal.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Tip 1: Sear the meat first

If you’re braising meat in the slow cooker, the best tip I can give you is to sear the meat first.  Some crockpots have a stovetop-safe insert.  If not, use a skillet to brown your meat.  Giving the meat a nice sear does two things.  First, it helps keep juices in during the long cooking process.  Secondly, your sauce will taste that much better once you utilize the brown bits that stick to the pan during the process.

Slow Cooker Tip 2: Make a pan sauce

Once you’ve seared your meat, make the most of the drippings and brown bits that form in the skillet.  It’s sooo easy, plus it makes the pan easier to clean.  Win-win.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Remove the meat to a the crock and pour in a heavy splash of stock (or water), while the pan is over medium high heat.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Using a wooden spoon, loosen up what’s stuck to the bottom of the pan.  Once incorporated, pour this into the crock along with the meat.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Your skillet is now ready to wash!

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Tip 3: Stop the cooking once the meat is tender

Just because it’s in a slow cooker doesn’t mean you can cook it forever.  If you’ve ever had chicken with an off taste or color, or if beef become dry despite being steeped in liquid, chances are – you’ve overcooked your dinner.  And nothing’s worse than waiting all day for a dinner that’s not great.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

I’ve found that when cooking 2-3 lbs. of chicken, it’s usually done within four hours on low.  Which is quite a bit less time than most recipes suggest.  I usually just test the meat with a fork every few hours during the cooking process.  If the meal is done before you’re ready to eat, just switch the crock pot to “warm.”

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Tip 4: Don’t shred until you’re ready to serve

Cooking chicken, pork, or beef that you plan to shred?  If you’ve followed Slow Cooker Tip #3, and your meat is ready even though you’re not ready to eat, your crock pot should be switched to warm.  Let the meat marinate in the sauce, but don’t shred it yet!  When you’re ready to serve, remove the meat to a bowl or cutting board and shred it with two forks.  Doing so hours before serving will dry it out, so wait if you can!

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Tip 5:  Strain the cooking sauce

This is probably my favorite tip of all.  Once you’ve removed meat (and veggies) from the cooking liquid, strain it through a sieve over a bowl.  Fatty bits and broken up veggies will be removed, leaving you with a fantastic finishing sauce.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

If you’re making my Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken recipe, this sauce is perfect as is.  Or you can pour it into a sauce pan and thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken

Yield: 4-6 servings

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup chicken or veggie stock (or water)
  • 8.5 ounces hoisin sauce
  • 2 Tb. minced garlic
  • 1 Tb. minced ginger

Instructions

  1. Bring a large skillet to medium high heat.  Coat with cooking spray. Season each chicken breast with salt and lay in the skillet.  Cook 3-4 minutes per side, just until you get a nice golden crust.  The chicken will not be cooked through.  
  2. Place each chicken breast in the crock pot and return the skillet to medium high heat.  Carefully pour in the stock and stir with a wooden spoon to loosen up the brown bits.  Cook until the sauce is smooth, the pour over the chicken.
  3. Add the hoisin, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker.  Cook on low heat 4-5 hours (or up to 6 hours depending on the heat of your slow cooker).  You want the meat to be cooked through and fork tender.
  4. When ready to serve, remove the meat from the crock and shred with two forks.
  5. Strain the sauce over a bowl with a fine mesh sieve.  Serve alongside the chicken.
  6. This chicken is great with rice and veggies, served in tacos, or in a salad!
© Katie

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

Use these slow cooker tips to update our favorite recipes like our Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa and our favorite Crock Pot BBQ Chicken.

Tired of ho hum dinners from the slow cooker? Get the scoop on crock pot cooking and why you might be doing it all wrong. Tips on how to make the most out of slow cooker suppers, plus our favorite Hoisin Garlic Chicken recipe.

More from my site

  • Easy Sheet Pan Kung Pao ChickenEasy Sheet Pan Kung Pao Chicken
  • Make This Hoisin Grilled Chicken for Supper TonightMake This Hoisin Grilled Chicken for Supper Tonight
  • Kitchen Stories: Chicken Teriyaki with Veggie Fried RiceKitchen Stories: Chicken Teriyaki with Veggie Fried Rice
  • Better-Than-Takeout Sheet Pan Cashew ChickenBetter-Than-Takeout Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Categories: Folly Tags: asian, chicken, slow cooker

About Katie

Katie Harding has been blogging since 2010. What originally started out as a platform to discuss new parenthood, her blogging now focuses on her passion for cooking: creating recipes and sharing tips for entertaining friends and family of all ages. Outside of the kitchen you’ll find her with her family (three boys, one husband, multiple exchange student daughters, and Hank the pup), or gallivanting around the world with her fork in tow.

Subscribe & Receive my Free "Cook Once, Eat Twice" Cookbook

Load up on new recipes, exclusive goodies + more. I pinky promise to keep it awesome! We don't do spam.

Previous Post: « Two Ingredient Kaukauna® Cheese Fondue Appetizer
Next Post: Damn Good Leftover Ham Potatoes Au Gratin »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Welcome to Forks and Folly! It's time to have some fun in the kitchen. Forks and Folly is about enjoying the process of cooking and entertaining. No complicated recipes. No stress. It's back to basics with easy, make ahead food, and fabulous hosting tips.

In addition to contributions on this blog, you'll find me behind the scenes working with my favorite brands through my marketing agency b2k Media Marketing.

Have a question or want to work with me? Drop me an email anytime.

♥, Katie

Subscribe & Receive my Free “Cook Once, Eat Twice” Cookbook.

Load up on new recipes, exclusive goodies + more. I pinky promise to keep it awesome! We don't do spam.

Search

What’s for Dinner?

This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Caramelized Onions & Jam is the sandwich melt you've been craving!

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Onions & Jam

Popular Posts

Hibachi-Style Sesame Ginger Zucchini
Classic Seafood Boil Recipe
Sous-Vide Meal Prep Ideas
Yummy Thai Peanut Veggie Rice Bowls
The Secret to Potty Training that No One Is Sharing
Freezer-Friendly Pancake Muffins Recipe
The Best All-Purpose Chicken Marinade
Breakfast Pops Recipe + Free Scholastic Books!

Party Time!

Celebrate the weekend with handcrafted hibiscus cocktails including a Smokey Hibiscus Margarita with mezcal and a Hibiscus Lime Vodka & Soda.

TGIF with these Hibiscus Cocktails

Find me on Instagram

Isn’t she lovely? The Beet It Cocktail from @fin Isn’t she lovely? The Beet It Cocktail from @fineandfettlecharlotte brings it! So happy to get back out in the world and enjoy amazing drinks and food again from Chatlotte’s best!

#qceats #cltfoodbloggers #clteats #cltfoodie #forksandfolly
Meet the newest member of the Harding family, Mati Meet the newest member of the Harding family, Matilda. Matilda is a blue oyster mushroom from @smallhold. 

I’m in 😍 with how cool she is! Be sure to scroll through the pics to see the before picture of when she first started growing- just three days ago! 

#Mushroom recipes coming to a blog near you soon! 🍄🍄🍄

#eatlocal #mushroomsofinstagram #mushroomlove #growyourownfood #growyourown #funghi
When you celebrate your 10th birthday at #pinkaroo When you celebrate your 10th birthday at #pinkarooplace, you get to take a ride around the island in Pinky. 😍

#birthdayboy #forksandfollyontheroad #springbreak2021
I’m right where I need to be. #pinkarooplace #HH I’m right where I need to be. #pinkarooplace #HHI #palmettodunes
Follow on Instagram
logo
Food Advertising by

Grab a Badge

Forks & Folly
Forks & Folly

Forks and Folly © 2021 · Privacy Statement · Built with and Genesis Framework by Bellano Web Studio