slow cooker whole chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) (Ensure the chicken is thawed completely.); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp olive oil

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What is that one thing that has completely revolutionized my Sunday dinner?Slow cooker whole chicken.Forget wrestling with oven temperatures, basting every half hour, and praying you don’t end up with a gas stove. a dry, sad excuse for roasting. What is set-it-and-forget magic? Think of it like the sheet pan chicken’s much easier, juicier cousin. My grandma always made the best Sunday roasts, and while I’ll never quite reach her level (she had a lot of great recipes), she always cooked them. Is there magic in her hands? Is there a slow cooker method that works? What is the aroma that fills the house while it cooks? Your family will thank you!

What is slow cooker whole chicken?

A Slow cooker whole chicken.Is it possible to cook chicken in a slow cooker? What is the easiest way to roast chicken? What is the difference between oven-roasted chicken and grilled chicken? If you’re like me and can’t deal with the oven, it’s perfect. Is it a good day to be outdoors? What is the beauty of slow cooker cooking? incredibly juicy and tender chicken. Plus, you get a fantastic, flavorful broth at the bottom that’s pure liquid gold. Don’t throw the broth away!

Why do I love this recipe?

Where do I start?Slow cooker whole chicken. has become a staple in my house, and for good reason!

Flavor explosion: WhatIs there any flavor in this drink? The low and slow cooking process allows the herbs and spices to really penetrate the chicken. Infusing every bite with deliciousness. I always use a simple blend of garlic, onion powder, paprika, and herbs, but feel free to use any combination you like. I like to make my own. What are your favorite things?
Ridiculously EasyWhat is a game changer on busy weeknights? What’s the best way to cook chicken? Just rub the spices on it and plop it in the slow cooker. What is the best way to let a cooker do its thing? What are some of those “dump and go” recipes that can be a lifesaver when you’re juggling work, kids, and even cooking. Everything else life throws your way.
What areIs it cheaper to buy a whole chicken? Can you use leftover chicken for sandwiches, salads, soups or even make chicken pot pie? What is a good way to stretch your grocery budget?
Super Versatile:Can you enjoy this video?Slow cooker whole chicken is done in 2 days.In many ways! Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or even shred it and use it in a salad. What are the best tacos or What are some of the best broths? What is the best chicken noodle soup you have ever eaten?

What I love about this is that it’s so forgiving. What is the best way to cook chicken? Even if you accidentally cook it a little too long, it will still be moist and delicious, thanks to the elasticity of the skin. What is slow cooker? What is your recipe for Slow Cooker Pot Roast? Why is there so many reasons for the If you are looking for something easy, flavorful, and economical, give this a shot!

How do I cook a slow cooker whole chicken?

Quick Overview

Making a Slow cooker whole chicken.is incredibly straightforward. How do you season a chicken in your favorite herbs and spices and place it in tamari in the slow cooker? If the chicken is too big, you may need to remove a rack and let it cook on low for about 5 minutes. What is the result? A juicy, flavorful chicken that’s practically falling off the bone. Is it cheating?

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What are some of

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), giblets removed.

For the Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of salt.
What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
1 teaspoon onion powder. 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1
1 teaspoon paprika. 1
1 teaspoon dried thyme per cup.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary. 1 cup dried black pepper.
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.

What are the best step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by removing giblets from the chicken cavity, if they’re included. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this helps the skin crisp up a bit (although it won’t get as crispy as it should). As an oven roasted chicken, it will still have some texture!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme. Set aside. What is rosemary, salt and pepper? What is your favorite flavor bomb? How can you rub the mixture all over chicken breast and thighs? For maximum flavor penetration. I like to use my hands for this – it’s just easier to get the seasoning evenly distributed.

Step 3: Place in Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, you might want to consider removing the metal rack. Is your chicken too big? If you have chicken, you can use the rack to keep it from sitting directly in the juices. If your chicken is too big, don’t worry, you can still cook it! Just make sure the lid fits snugly. If the lid is sitting on top of the chicken, it will still cook just fine.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. I always use a meat thermometer to be sure, but if you don’t have one, you can also check for meat temperature. If you pierce your thigh with a fork, it’s done.

Step 5: Rest (Optional)

How do I remove chicken from slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving? This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. If you try to carve it right away, all the juices will run out, and you’ll end up with a drier end. If you are trying to crisp up the chicken after removing it from the slow cooker, you can bake it. What are the best ways to cook chicken at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes? Keep a close eye on it so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

Step 6: Carve and Serve

What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken? How do you save the broth from the bottom of a slow cooker? How do you make a gravy?

What should I serve it with?

This Slow cooker whole chicken. is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables alongside the chicken is a great way to create a complete meal. I love roasting carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. Toss them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for roast chicken. For extra flavor, try adding some roasted garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes.
Salad: A simple salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the chicken. I like to make a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
Stuffing: If you’re serving this slow cooker whole chicken for a special occasion, consider making stuffing. It goes so well with chicken and gravy.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless! I’ve even served it with mac and cheese before (don’t judge!), and it was a hit. The best part is, you can easily customize the sides to suit your taste and preferences. My family loves when I make garlic bread to serve with it. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy. But the BEST thing to serve it with? A big smile and a warm welcome around the dinner table. That’s the real secret ingredient!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take your slow cooker whole chicken to the next level. Here are my top tips:

Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure the chicken fits comfortably in the slow cooker without being squished. If it’s too cramped, it won’t cook evenly.
Season generously: Don’t be afraid to use plenty of seasoning. The chicken needs to be well-seasoned, especially on the inside and under the skin.
Add aromatics: For extra flavor, try adding some aromatics to the slow cooker along with the chicken. I like to add a quartered onion, a few cloves of garlic, and some sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Don’t overcook: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the correct temperature.
Crisp the skin: If you want the skin to be a little crispier, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after it’s done cooking. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. You can also bake at 400 degrees, keep an eye on it so it does not dry out.
Use the broth: Don’t throw away the broth from the bottom of the slow cooker! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to make gravy, soup, or stock.
Leave to rest: Like I said before, this is important! Resting will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more tender and juicy.

I have also learned that if you need the chicken to cook faster, do not open the lid! The slow cooker needs that steam to build up so the chicken can properly cook. The first time I made this, I was opening the lid every hour, and it took twice as long! Trust the process!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover slow cooker whole chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze leftover chicken for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat, you can microwave the chicken, bake it in the oven, or sauté it in a pan. If microwaving, add a little bit of broth or water to keep it moist. If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If sautéing, heat a little bit of oil in a pan and sauté the chicken until heated through.

One of my favorite ways to use leftover chicken is to make chicken salad. It’s a quick and easy lunch option that’s perfect for busy days. I also like to use it in soups, stews, or casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

I wouldn’t recommend it! For safety reasons, it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking it in the slow cooker. Frozen chicken can take a long time to cook, and it may not cook evenly, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight!

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?

Generally, no. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, which is usually enough liquid to keep it moist. However, if you’re concerned about it drying out, you can add a cup of chicken broth or water to the slow cooker before adding the chicken.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the slow cooker is a great way to create a complete meal. I recommend adding root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions, as they can withstand the long cooking time. Add them at the same time as the chicken so they will cook just right.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker?

Using a metal rack can help keep the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also line the bottom of the slow cooker with parchment paper before adding the chicken. This will make it easier to remove the chicken after it’s cooked.

My chicken seems like it’s cooking fast on high, can I add cold water to slow it down?

This is not advised! Adding cold water can make the chicken cool down and result in the chicken not being fully cooked. Instead, if you are in a time pinch, remove the chicken at 165 degrees internal temperature and cook it in the oven to crisp the skin.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker whole chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families. The aroma that fills the house while it cooks is simply divine, and the juicy, tender chicken is sure to please everyone at the table. If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to cook a whole chicken, look no further! The cleanup is a breeze too.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your own variations and tips. I’m always looking for new ideas to try!

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