Tangy Slow Cooker Chicken Delight with Heinz 57 Sauce
Experience the delicious fusion of flavors with our Tangy Slow Cooker Chicken Delight featuring the iconic Heinz 57 sauce. This effortless recipe transforms a simple quartered chicken into a mouthwatering dish that is bursting with tangy goodness. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, the chicken becomes tender and succulent, marinated in a rich sauce made from the robust Heinz 57 steak sauce and sweet stewed tomatoes. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this dish serves 4-6 and is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
roasting chicken, quartered
1 large (quarter into pieces)
butter
2 tablespoons (melt)
Heinz 57 steak sauce
1/2 cup (none)
stewed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the chicken quarters thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels. Place the quarters into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2
In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the butter, Heinz 57 steak sauce, and the can of stewed tomatoes, including the juice. Stir the mixture gently until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined to create a savory sauce.
3
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken quarters in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Slow Cooker Chicken Delight with Heinz 57 Sauce?
It is a flavorful main dish that combines a quartered roasting chicken with a savory, tangy sauce made from Heinz 57 steak sauce and stewed tomatoes, all prepared in a slow cooker.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need one large roasting chicken (quartered), two tablespoons of butter, half a cup of Heinz 57 steak sauce, and one 15-ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be washed thoroughly, patted dry with paper towels, and then placed evenly into the slow cooker.
How do I make the sauce for this chicken dish?
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the Heinz 57 steak sauce and the can of stewed tomatoes with their juice until well combined.
What is the cooking time for this slow cooker recipe?
The recipe calls for cooking the chicken on the low setting for five to six hours.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves between four and six people, making it ideal for family dinners.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I substitute the roasting chicken with other cuts?
Yes, while a quartered roasting chicken is recommended, you can use other cuts such as chicken thighs or breasts, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Should I include the liquid from the canned stewed tomatoes?
Yes, the juice from the can is an essential part of the sauce and should be included in the mixture.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is classified as a one-pot meal because the primary cooking process occurs entirely within the slow cooker.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is straightforward and involves simple steps, making it very easy for novice cooks.
Can this recipe be used for meal planning?
Absolutely, it is great for meal prep as it yields multiple servings and holds flavor well when reheated.
What provides the tangy flavor in this dish?
The tangy goodness comes from the iconic Heinz 57 steak sauce combined with the sweetness of stewed tomatoes.
Is it necessary to cover the slow cooker during the process?
Yes, you must cover the slow cooker with its lid to ensure the heat remains trapped and the chicken cooks thoroughly.
Can I use a butter alternative in the sauce?
Yes, you can use margarine or a cooking oil of your choice if you prefer not to use butter.
Can this recipe be adapted for an oven?
While designed for a slow cooker, it could be cooked in a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature, though results may vary.
What is the consistency of the finished sauce?
The sauce is savory and robust, becoming slightly more concentrated as it cooks with the chicken juices.
Do I need to add extra salt or pepper?
The Heinz 57 sauce provides a lot of seasoning, but you can add salt and pepper to taste before or after cooking.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can typically be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Can I use the high setting on my slow cooker?
The recipe specifies the low setting for tenderness, but you could likely cook it on high for about three to four hours.
Is this dish appropriate for a family meal?
Yes, it is a comfort food classic that is generally well-liked by both adults and children.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
No, searing is not required; the slow cooking process will ensure the chicken is tender and fully flavored by the sauce.
What type of cuisine or category is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a slow cooker chicken dish and falls under American comfort food.
Can fresh tomatoes be used instead of canned?
You can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add a pinch of sugar and extra liquid to replicate the flavor of canned stewed tomatoes.
Does the recipe include added sugar?
There is no sugar added directly to the recipe, though the steak sauce and tomatoes contain their own natural or added sugars.
Why is Heinz 57 sauce used?
It is used for its unique, robust, and tangy flavor which acts as the primary seasoning for the chicken.
How should the chicken be cut?
The recipe calls for a roasting chicken quartered into pieces, which usually includes the legs, thighs, and breasts.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, vegetables like onions, carrots, or potatoes can be added to the bottom of the slow cooker for a more complete meal.
What makes the chicken so tender in this recipe?
The slow, low-heat cooking environment combined with the moisture from the sauce allows the chicken to become succulent and tender.