Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners
Slow cooking is a fantastic way to create delicious meals with minimal effort, especially if you’re new to the kitchen. Using a slow cooker lets flavors develop over time, making your dishes tender and full of taste. Below is a simple recipe that works well for beginners and can also be adapted for the air fryer when you want a quicker option.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sandwich buns or rice, for serving
Steps
- Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Arrange the chicken over the onions in the slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Serve on sandwich buns or over rice for a hearty meal.
Tips or Variations
- For a faster version, cook the chicken thighs in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, then toss with barbecue sauce before serving.
- Try adding chopped bell peppers or corn to the slow cooker for extra veggies and color.
- Swap out barbecue sauce for salsa and add a can of black beans for a southwestern twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and make great fillings for wraps or tacos.
