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This Slow Cooker Hurry Chicken is the kind of set it and forget it dish that makes weeknights smoother. With a sweet and tangy sauce made from pantry ingredients and just minutes of prep, it is perfect for busy days when you still want something hearty and comforting on the table.
I first made this on a night when I had zero energy left and two hungry kids circling the kitchen. The slow cooker did the work and the sauce had everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: adds a deep mellow sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze
- Ketchup: brings tang and body to the sauce choose a version without high fructose corn syrup
- Low sodium chicken broth: balances the sweetness and builds depth
- Onion soup mix: is the shortcut hero infusing layers of savory flavor
- Salt and pepper: season the base and the chicken itself
- Cracked red pepper flakes: offer optional heat adjust to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil: is used to sear the chicken and enhance richness
- Bone in chicken legs or thighs: deliver moist juicy texture and rich flavor
- Cornstarch: thickens the sauce into a glossy pourable glaze
- Water: combines with cornstarch for the slurry
- Mashed potatoes or rice: are the perfect base to catch the sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker:
- Lightly coat a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking
- Mix the sauce:
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together brown sugar ketchup chicken broth onion soup mix salt pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes until smooth
- Brown the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat season chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper and sauté each side for 3 minutes until golden and slightly crisp
- Slow cook the chicken:
- Transfer seared chicken into the slow cooker pour sauce mixture over top cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or until chicken reaches 165 degrees in the thickest part
- Make the glaze:
- Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a small saucepan whisk together cornstarch and water then stir into the sauce bring to a gentle boil and simmer until it thickens into a glaze
- Serve and enjoy:
- Plate chicken over warm mashed potatoes or fluffy rice and spoon the glaze generously over the top
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My favorite part of this dish is how the chicken turns fall off the bone tender after hours of slow cooking. I remember making it once before heading out to soccer practice and coming home to the most delicious smell that had everyone racing to the kitchen.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to three months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Boneless thighs or chicken breasts can be used in place of bone in just reduce the cooking time to about four hours. You can swap the onion soup mix for a homemade version with dried onion garlic powder and beef bouillon.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with buttery mashed potatoes rice or even a warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of the glaze. Steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad make great side additions.
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Cultural Context
This dish gets its name from the classic Chicken in a Hurry idea a quick to assemble meal that was a weeknight favorite for many American households in the seventies. The mix of sweet and savory is a hallmark of retro comfort cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well. Just reduce the cooking time by half or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
- → Do I have to sear the chicken first?
It’s optional, but searing adds flavor and creates a nice crust. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- → What can I use instead of packaged onion soup mix?
You can use homemade French onion soup mix or a similar seasoning blend to control the ingredients and flavor.
- → How can I thicken the sauce after cooking?
Transfer the sauce to a pot, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water). Simmer until it thickens to a glaze.
- → What should I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes or rice are great choices. They soak up the flavorful sauce and complete the meal nicely.