Can you put raw chicken straight into a slow cooker?

Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken directly into a slow cooker. That’s the beauty of recipes like these slow cooker chicken tenders —no need to pre-cook or brown the meat (unless you want to for added flavor). The slow cooking process safely brings the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F, provided you follow proper cook times. Just season the raw chicken, add your sauce and pineapple, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Does chicken get tender in a slow cooker?

Definitely. In fact, one of the top reasons home cooks love making slow cooker chicken tenders is how incredibly tender the meat becomes. The low, moist heat gently breaks down the muscle fibers in the tenderloins without drying them out. After a few hours in the slow cooker, your chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and fork-tender every single time.

How long should you cook chicken tenders for?

When cooking chicken tenderloins in a slow cooker, timing is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cook slow cooker chicken tenders on: Low for 4–6 hours , or High for 2–3 hours Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so be sure to use a timer or set a reminder.

Is it better to cook chicken on low or high in the crockpot?

Both methods work, but cooking slow cooker chicken tenders on low is generally the better choice. Slow heat allows the flavors to develop more deeply and helps the chicken retain more moisture. That said, if you're short on time, cooking on high for 2–3 hours will still deliver great results—just be careful not to go over, especially with tender cuts like these.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tenders: 5-Step Ultimate Juicy Recipe -

Description

Use the slow cooker chicken tenders, seriously juicy Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Chicken Tenders that are perfect for dipping or enjoying all on their own! Pair with ranch, honey mustard, or an extra helping of BBQ sauce – you can’t go wrong with this mouthwatering, flavor-packed chicken!

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 tablespoon Easy Homemade BBQ Rub
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (I used Pineapple BBQ sauce)
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

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Instructions

Sprinkle each tenderloin with BBQ rub
Optional: Melt butter in a skillet and lightly brown chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes on each side
Place tenders and pineapple chunks in slow cooker
Whisk together the BBQ sauce and pineapple juice and pour mix over chicken
Cover and cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low

Notes

Storage – Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Seal in an airtight container and freeze (with pineapple chunks) for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost when serving again.

Best Way To Reheat Leftovers – Microwave for 30-second increments or on medium heat in a skillet on the stove just until heated through. Don’t forget your extra dipping sauces for leftovers!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 333 kcal
Sodium: 448mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 145mg