Yes, it is generally recommended to cook chicken before putting it in a slow cooker, especially if it is a whole chicken or large pieces. Cooking the chicken beforehand ensures that it reaches a safe internal temperature more quickly, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
There are a few reasons why pre-cooking the chicken is beneficial:
Food safety: Chicken may contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella or campylobacter. By pre-cooking the chicken, you can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Even cooking: Pre-cooking helps ensure that the chicken is evenly cooked throughout. Slow cookers can take several hours to reach a safe internal temperature, and pre-cooking helps kickstart the process.
Flavor development: Browning or searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance the overall flavor of the dish by adding caramelization and depth to the meat.
However, if you're using smaller cuts of chicken (e.g., diced chicken breast) and plan to cook the dish on high heat for an extended period, it may be possible to add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker. But, it's always safer to pre-cook the chicken if you want to be absolutely sure about food safety.
To do this, you can quickly brown the chicken in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat until it develops a golden color on the outside. After that, you can transfer it to the slow cooker to finish the cooking process.