We’ve fallen in love with the Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe, a Southern gem that packs bold flavors into every bite. This easy slow-cooked dish takes tender chicken and pairs it with a zesty sauce featuring pineapple, mustard, and a horseradish kick, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of the American South, it’s our go-to for effortless meals that impress. We’ll show you how simple it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser right in your crockpot.
Ingredients
In our Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that blend Southern flavors for a zesty, tender dish. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically prepared and added, with specific prep notes for accuracy.
- Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch pieces for even cooking in the crockpot.
- Pineapple preserves: 1 cup, ensuring it’s smooth and free of chunks to create a glossy sauce base.
- Apricot preserves: ½ cup, mixed with the pineapple for a sweet-tangy contrast that defines the Jezebel sauce.
- Dijon mustard: ¼ cup, providing a sharp, pungent kick—whisk it well before adding.
- Prepared horseradish: 2 tablespoons, freshly grated if possible, to deliver the signature heat without overwhelming other flavors.
- Apple jelly: ¼ cup, melted slightly for easy incorporation into the sauce mixture.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, to add a subtle aromatic layer when sautéed briefly before crockpot assembly.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for an extra depth of flavor that enhances the chicken’s tenderness.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, freshly ground, to season the chicken prior to cooking.
- Optional spices: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, if you want to amp up the heat for a bolder Jezebel Chicken Crockpot experience.
Equipment Needed
With our ingredients assembled for the Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe, we now turn to the essential tools that make preparation straightforward and efficient. Gathering the right equipment ensures we achieve that tender, flavorful result with minimal effort.
Here’s a detailed list of the key items we’ll need:
- Crockpot (at least 4-6 quarts): This is our primary appliance for slow-cooking the chicken thighs or breasts to juicy perfection, allowing flavors from the pineapple preserves, mustard, and horseradish to meld beautifully over low heat.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and other seasonings into a smooth sauce before adding it to the crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: We rely on these for precise measurements of ingredients like apple jelly and prepared horseradish, ensuring our sauce hits the right balance of sweet and spicy.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp blade for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic quickly and safely, releasing their aromatic flavors into the dish.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for prepping vegetables and prevents countertop damage during our chopping tasks.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the ingredients in the crockpot and serving the finished Jezebel Chicken without scratching the pot’s surface.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process and focus on creating a mouthwatering, Southern-inspired meal that’s sure to impress.
Instructions
We walk you through the straightforward steps to prepare our Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined, delivering tender chicken infused with zesty Southern flavors.
Prepare Ingredients
First, we gather and prep our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for easy assembly. Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic to release their aromatic essence that will enhance the sauce’s depth. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup pineapple preserves, ½ cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, and ¼ cup apple jelly, stirring until the mixture forms a smooth, tangy glaze with a bold kick from the horseradish.
Next, season 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optionally ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for added heat. We recommend patting the chicken dry with paper towels to promote even browning and better absorption of flavors. This preparation sets the stage for a succulent dish where the sweet and spicy elements mingle perfectly.
Assemble in Crockpot
We layer the ingredients into the crockpot for slow-cooking magic. Start by placing the seasoned chicken at the bottom of a 4-6 quart crockpot, ensuring even distribution for uniform cooking. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, using a spatula to coat each piece thoroughly and allow the glossy glaze to seep in.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top, gently stirring to incorporate without disturbing the layers too much. This step creates a harmonious blend where the chicken absorbs the vibrant, sweet-spicy notes from the preserves and mustard, promising a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
Cook and Serve
Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, tangy masterpiece. Once done, we suggest using tongs to remove the chicken and shred it if desired, then spoon the sauce over for a glossy finish that highlights the vibrant citrus undertones from the pineapple.
Serve immediately with sides like rice or vegetables to soak up the flavorful juices, savoring the tender meat’s juicy texture and the sauce’s zingy, sweet heat that embodies true Southern comfort.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe with you as it’s a simple way to bring Southern flavors to your table. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and delicious without much effort. Give it a try and you’ll see how it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen. We’re confident it’ll impress your family and friends every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe?
The Jezebel Chicken Crockpot Recipe is a classic Southern dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a zesty sauce made from pineapple, mustard, horseradish, and other flavors. It’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights, and draws from traditional Southern cuisine for a sweet-spicy taste that’s both comforting and impressive.
What ingredients are needed for Jezebel Chicken?
You’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, pineapple preserves, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, apple jelly, onion, garlic, and seasonings like salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. These high-quality ingredients create a balanced, flavorful sauce with sweet and spicy notes for an authentic Southern meal.
How do I prepare Jezebel Chicken in a crockpot?
Start by chopping onion and mincing garlic, then mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Season the chicken, layer it in a 4-6 quart crockpot, top with the sauce, onion, and garlic, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender. Serve with sides like rice or vegetables for a complete dish.
How long does it take to cook Jezebel Chicken?
Cooking time is 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a crockpot, depending on your setting. Prep takes about 15-20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s worth the wait.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
You’ll need a 4-6 quart crockpot for slow-cooking, a large mixing bowl for the sauce, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping veggies, and a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring. These tools help streamline the process for an easy Southern meal.
Can I customize the Jezebel Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing cayenne pepper, swap chicken types based on preference, or modify the sauce with extra fruits for sweetness. It’s versatile for dietary needs, but keep the core ingredients for the authentic Southern flavor.
What are some serving suggestions for Jezebel Chicken?
Serve Jezebel Chicken over rice, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables to soak up the sauce. It’s great for family dinners or potlucks, and pairs well with cornbread or greens. The sweet-spicy notes make it a comforting, Southern-inspired main dish.