Anonymous
Post 01/03/2014 13:47     Subject: Re:Really stupid question re: crockpot
Anonymous wrote:A different crockpot question--I don't like the taste/texture of veggies that have cooked for 6+ hours in a slow cooker. I'm thinking of just putting some potato quarters under the chuck roast next time and then adding onions and carrots the last 2 hours. Or maybe putting half the onions and carrots in for the full time to flavor the broth and then adding more the last 2 hours. Does anyone else do either of these options? Thanks for your suggestions!


I add the veggies in the last couple hours so they don't overcook and get soggy.
Anonymous
Post 01/03/2014 07:15     Subject: Re:Really stupid question re: crockpot
A different crockpot question--I don't like the taste/texture of veggies that have cooked for 6+ hours in a slow cooker. I'm thinking of just putting some potato quarters under the chuck roast next time and then adding onions and carrots the last 2 hours. Or maybe putting half the onions and carrots in for the full time to flavor the broth and then adding more the last 2 hours. Does anyone else do either of these options? Thanks for your suggestions!
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 23:26     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
Anonymous wrote:People do use frozen chicken in the crockpot..but officially it is supposed to be defrosted for food safety reasons.


This.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 23:24     Subject: Re:Really stupid question re: crockpot
I use frozen chicken at times. I just increase the cooking time. technically I have heard it is not safe because the chicken stays too long at a temp that encourages bacteria growth. But I have never had a problem, and I have a sensitive stomach.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 19:56     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
Anonymous wrote:browning/searing meat creates a reaction that adds additional flavors that don't happen when just cooking in a pot.


I agree, so I always brown roasts before cooking in the slow cooker. I'm very excited that I recently purchased the Cuisinart 6 qt (based on DCUM recommendations) that lets me brown in the same pot.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 19:54     Subject: Re:Really stupid question re: crockpot
Anonymous wrote:I'd drain the package first, then add the chicken.

I'm not a big fan of crock pot chicken recipes b/c chicken doesn't cook at the same rate and temps beef or pork does. Chicken is more susceptible to not cooking to the proper temperature or coming out stringy.



I haven't tried chicken recipes yet, but does the "stringiness" factor apply to thighs or just breasts? TIA!
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 19:47     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
browning/searing meat creates a reaction that adds additional flavors that don't happen when just cooking in a pot.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 19:39     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
I always defrost meat before adding it to the crockpot. I'm not sure frozen chicken would cook properly.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 18:43     Subject: Re:Really stupid question re: crockpot
I'd drain the package first, then add the chicken.

I'm not a big fan of crock pot chicken recipes b/c chicken doesn't cook at the same rate and temps beef or pork does. Chicken is more susceptible to not cooking to the proper temperature or coming out stringy.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 11:34     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
Anonymous wrote:OP here - good, so I'm not crazy if I put in frozen does the "juice" from defrosting mix with the food? It has to, right?


It does. If your meat has a lot of frost bite on it, I'd probably defrost it first.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 11:30     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
OP here - good, so I'm not crazy if I put in frozen does the "juice" from defrosting mix with the food? It has to, right?
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 11:21     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
I always do put it in thawed, but I do skip any step where they say to brown it first, sear it first, etc. Nah. Skip that sh!t!
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 11:19     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
People do use frozen chicken in the crockpot..but officially it is supposed to be defrosted for food safety reasons.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 11:19     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
I usually take out a pack of the costco chicken thighs from the freezer and put that in. I haven't had any problems with it but I usually cook for at least 8 hours on low. I don't know if you do the 4 hours on high if that would change things.
Anonymous
Post 01/02/2014 11:17     Subject: Really stupid question re: crockpot
When a crockpot recipe calls for chicken, does it matter if the chicken is frozen or thawed? Most recipes I see just say chicken (every now and then it says frozen chicken), but don't most people use frozen chicken for crockpot recipes? Can I assume it's ok?

Thanks!