Easy Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe for Dinner
As the cool autumn wind whispers outside, nothing is more comforting than a homemade meal in the crockpot. Today, I’m excited to share a delicious Southern classic, the Easy Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe. It’s a family favorite that combines tender chicken, tangy-sweet flavors, and the ease of a slow cooker. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
The origins of Jezebel sauce come from the American South. It was often used as a condiment or dip. In this recipe, it infuses our chicken with a unique flavor. Letting the ingredients meld in the crockpot results in succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken. It’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Jezebel Chicken: A Southern Classic Made Simple
Jezebel chicken is a favorite in the South. It mixes chicken with sweet and spicy Jezebel sauce. This sauce is known for its mix of sweet fruit preserves and spicy horseradish.
Origins of Jezebel Sauce
The Jezebel sauce comes from the American South. It’s been around for many years. The name “Jezebel” might come from the biblical figure known for her charm and cunning.
This sauce has sweet and spicy flavors. It’s said to be inspired by Jezebel’s complex nature.
Why Crockpot Cooking Works Best
Crockpots are perfect for making Jezebel chicken. The slow heat makes the chicken tender and juicy. It also infuses the meat with the sauce’s flavors.
This method is easy. The chicken stays moist and the sauce fully penetrates the meat. It’s a delicious and simple way to enjoy a spicy chicken dish.
“Slow cooking in the crockpot is the secret to making this southern chicken entree truly exceptional. The gentle heat and long cooking time allow the flavors to meld together seamlessly.”
Essential Ingredients for Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe
To make a delicious Jezebel Chicken Crockpot dish, start with the right ingredients. This Southern recipe combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Bone-in chicken thighs add a juicy texture that pairs well with the Jezebel sauce.
The Jezebel sauce needs apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, horseradish, and chili flakes. These ingredients balance sweet and heat, making the sauce special. Shallots, garlic, and chicken broth add to the dish’s richness and creaminess.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in Chicken Thighs | 2-3 lbs |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Shallot, minced | 1 |
| Garlic Cloves, minced | 3 |
| Apricot Preserves | 12 oz jar |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Prepared Horseradish | 1 tbsp |
| Green Onions, sliced | 2 |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a chicken thighs recipe, bone-in chicken recipe, and creamy chicken dish. The Jezebel sauce’s mix of sweet and spicy will make this Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe a hit.
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips
To make the perfect slow cooker chicken recipe for an easy chicken crockpot meal, you need the right tools and prep. Gather the necessary equipment and follow simple steps. This way, your Jezebel Chicken will always be flavorful and tender.
Crockpot Size Requirements
Choose a 4-6 quart crockpot or slow cooker for this recipe. This size is perfect for cooking the chicken and letting the sauce blend the flavors well.
Additional Tools Needed
- Large non-stick skillet – for browning the chicken before adding to the crockpot
- Mixing bowls – to combine the sauce ingredients
- Tongs or forks – to shred the cooked chicken
- Ladle – for serving the chicken and sauce
Prep Work Guidelines
- Season the chicken with your desired spices and herbs.
- Heat oil in the non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken on both sides until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Jezebel sauce ingredients and pour over the chicken.
Follow these easy prep steps to get your slow cooker chicken recipe ready for the crockpot. Browning the chicken first locks in juices and adds flavor. Then, let the crockpot do the rest!
The Perfect Chicken Cuts for This Recipe
The Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe calls for bone-in chicken thighs. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking. The bone-in design infuses the meat with rich flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can get dry and stringy when slow-cooked. But bone-in chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. They soak up the Jezebel sauce beautifully.
Choose chicken drumsticks or a mix of thighs and drumsticks for the best results. Drumsticks become tender and flavorful from the slow cooking.
| Chicken Cut | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in Chicken Thighs |
|
|
| Chicken Drumsticks |
|
|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts |
|
|
For the Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe, use bone-in chicken thighs or a mix of thighs and chicken drumsticks. This ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, perfectly matching the Jezebel sauce.
Making the Signature Jezebel Sauce
The Jezebel Chicken Crockpot recipe’s heart is its signature sauce. This sauce mixes sweet and spicy, making chicken taste amazing. Let’s explore how to make this special sauce.
Combining Sweet and Spicy Elements
The sauce’s base is apricot preserves and horseradish sauce. Apricot preserves add sweetness, balancing the horseradish’s heat. Chicken broth is also needed to get the right sauce consistency.
Sauce Consistency Tips
The sauce should be smooth and velvety, coating the chicken well. Mix the ingredients well to avoid lumps. Adjust the chicken broth to get the perfect consistency. The sauce should stick to the chicken, making each bite rich and creamy.
Remember to add fresh green onions to the sauce. They add a fresh touch that enhances the sauce’s flavors. This completes the Jezebel Chicken Crockpot dish’s taste.
Step-by-Step Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Make your dinner special with this jezebel chicken crockpot recipe. It has tender chicken in a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. It’s a slow cooker dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Here’s how to start making this slow cooker chicken recipe.
- Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices you like. This makes the dish flavorful.
- Next, brown the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat on all sides. This step keeps the juices in and adds a nice crust.
- Then, sauté chopped shallots and garlic in the skillet until they smell good and are soft.
- Now, make the jezebel sauce. Mix apricot preserves, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and horseradish in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Put the browned chicken in your crockpot and cover it with the jezebel sauce. Make sure the chicken is fully coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be 170°-175°F inside.
Follow these steps for a delicious jezebel chicken crockpot recipe. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of this slow cooker chicken recipe!
Cooking Time and Temperature Guidelines
Creating the perfect slow cooker chicken recipe or easy chicken crockpot meal requires attention to cooking time and temperature. The crockpot makes it easy, ensuring your chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Low vs High Heat Settings
For the best results, cook your slow cooker chicken recipe on the low heat setting. This method allows the chicken to simmer slowly, tenderizing it over 6-8 hours. It ensures the flavors blend well without overcooking the meat.
If you’re in a hurry, use the high heat setting. It cuts cooking time in half, to 3-4 hours. But, watch the chicken closely to avoid it drying out or becoming tough.
How to Know When It’s Done
To check if your easy chicken crockpot meal is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is ready when it reaches 170°-175°F. Check the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bone, for an accurate reading.
Chicken will continue to cook after being removed from the crockpot. It’s better to slightly undercook than overcook. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
This southern chicken entree is a hit as a main dish. It also goes great with many side dishes, making it a crowd-pleasing chicken dinner. The tender, flavorful Jezebel chicken is best served with the savory sauce spooned generously over the top. This lets the sweet and spicy flavors mix well.
Here are some tasty side dish options:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed potatoes
- Fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati rice
- Tender roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts
- A fresh, crisp salad with your choice of dressing
- Warm, crusty dinner rolls or biscuits
- Savory cornbread or corn muffins
The Jezebel chicken dish has about 380 calories, 19 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbs, and 23 grams of protein per serving. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a delightful southern chicken entree that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
“The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in this Jezebel chicken dish is truly a southern classic that never fails to delight.”
Storage and Reheating Instructions
After enjoying the Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe, it’s key to store leftovers right. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy them for up to 3 days.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep the Jezebel Chicken’s taste and texture by storing it in a sealed container. This stops the chicken from drying out and the sauce from getting too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for future meals.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat the leftover Jezebel Chicken, use the stovetop or oven. Make sure it heats up to 165°F to be safe. You might need to add a bit of broth or water to the sauce to keep it right.
