Slow cooker meat can sometimes come out dry. In fact, that is one of the main reasons that people give for not cooking with their crockpots more often. I used to feel the same way. When I first started doing the freezer to crockpot meals, I was discouraged to find that a lot of the meals came out super tender, but dry as a bone. Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your slow cooker meat stays moist and delicious every time.

{Build a Platform}

One option to keep your meat moist in the slow cooker is to build a platform for it to sit up on within the crockpot. You can do this easily by making larger balls out of tinfoil and sticking them in the crockpot first and then resting the meat on top of them. You would think that the longer you cook meat in broth or juices the more tender it would get and this is true. Tender doesn't always equal moist though and keeping the meat out of the juices keeps the flavor in the meat and keeps the juices from sucking it all out.

{Invest in a Thermometer}

For just a few dollars, you can pick up a cooking thermometer. Even if a recipe calls for meat to be cooked on high for 4 hours or low for 6, every crockpot is different. It is best to check your meat when there is about an hour of your specified time left. You want the meat to be cooked through, but if the temperature gets past 175 degrees, it will start breaking apart the natural fibers of the meat, which creates the dryness. I usually pop my meat out of the slow cooker around 160-170 degrees, depending on what type of meat it is.

{Go With Fattier Cuts of Meat}

I used to cook with all boneless skinless chicken breasts because I thought they were easier. The problem? They get dried out a lot quicker in a crockpot and their texture begins to change. The solution? Switching to wings, drumsticks or thighs. These cuts of meat are not only cheaper, but the skin and fat does not cause a big mess like you might think and the meat stays moist and delicious!

{Cook on the Lowest Setting Possible}

A lot of recipes will give two cooking options for slow cooker meals, one for high temperature and one for low. If at all possible, cook on the lowest setting possible. You have less of a chance of drying the meat out quickly by overcooking it.

{Keep the Lid Closed}

When using a slow cooker, the heat that builds up and moisture inside is what makes it work correctly. If you are constantly lifting the lid, you are letting all that out. Lift it once or twice to stir, but refrain from lifting it more frequently if you want your meat to be moist.

{Sear the Meat First}

I rarely do this, but when I do it is usually with a roast or other large cut of meat. You can sear the outside in a hot skillet before putting it in the crockpot to help lock in the juices and give it a beautiful brown sear on the outside. 

Having trouble with dry slow cooker meat? Give a few of the tips above a try and I promise you will see a difference.