why make this recipe
Making a Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is both simple and rewarding. It’s an easy way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy tender, juicy chicken without standing over the stove. Plus, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner!
how to make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Ingredients :
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, quartered
Directions :
- Place the onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, inside and out.
- Stuff the chicken with the lemon quarters.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker on top of the onions and garlic.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
how to serve Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Serve the Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad pair well with this dish. You can also use the leftover chicken in sandwiches, salads, or soups!
how to store Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Just be sure to wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
tips to make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up a bit.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices for varied flavors.
variation
You can change the flavors by swapping out the herbs or adding a little heat with cayenne pepper. Try stuffing the chicken with different citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking for best results.
Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on all day?
Yes, slow cookers are designed to be left on for long periods. Just make sure you follow the cooking time guidelines to ensure food safety.
Can I cook a larger chicken in the slow cooker?
If your slow cooker can accommodate it, yes! Just make sure it doesn’t exceed the recommended cook time and check that it reaches the safe internal temperature.
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 1 medium 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 whole 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, inside and out.
- Stuff the chicken with the lemon quarters.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker on top of the onions and garlic.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.