Chook Me!

Do you use cooked or raw chicken for this crockpot recipe?

I suppose it's a stupid question since the recipe got a lot of reviews and no one else has asked, but I am new to using crockpots... So do you cook the chicken breast before putting it in there, or do you just dump the raw chicken in? http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/easy-mexican-crockpot/#review

Public Comments

1. Raw.
2. The chicken will be in the pot for four hours ! I'm going to guess raw.
3. the purpose of crock pots/slow cookers is to cook a dish long and slow!! If you cooked the chicken before putting it in the kettle to blend with anything else, you would not need the long timing at low temperature to cook everything. You use RAW chicken in this dish.
4. Aia4spoc, two ways you can go, you can brown the chicken off first, but it isn't a must.
5. Yes it is, that's what a crockpot does, but I think you want to know is that it is a good idea to brown the chicken first, as it will add to the flavours and I would suggest you use thighs as they are nicer to taste than the blandness of the breasts
6. I would rinse off the chicken under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper both sides, and leave out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then I would heat some oil in a good heavy pan till hot, then add chicken breasts. Let sear and get golden brown on each side for about 3-4 minutes, depending on size of chicken. I would then allow it to rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes, then continue on with your recipe in the crock pot. What the searing does is keep the moisture in the chicken for a better taste. Hope you love it!
7. Raw.
8. I would use raw chicken. Crock pots are good and you can cook just about anything in them. I use mine all the time and love to cook with it. I cook just about any kind of meat and I put it in raw and leave it for like 3hour+ and it will be delish.