Question

What is your best way to prepare a whole chicken in a slow cooker?

Answer 1

Preparing a whole chicken in a slow cooker can result in tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. Here's a simple and delicious recipe for slow-cooked whole chicken:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• Optional vegetables: potatoes, carrots, onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:

• Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity, if included.
• Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Season the chicken:

• Rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter to help the seasoning stick.
• In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano to create a seasoning blend.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat both the outside and inside of the bird.

3. Optional step: Add vegetables:

• If you want to cook vegetables with the chicken, place peeled and chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.

4. Place the chicken in the slow cooker:

• If you added vegetables, place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Otherwise, place the chicken directly into the slow cooker.

5. Add liquid:

• Pour the chicken broth or water around the chicken in the slow cooker. This will create steam and keep the chicken moist during cooking.

6. Cook the chicken:

• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

7. Optional step: Broil the chicken:

• If you want a crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Serve:

• Once the chicken is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve with the cooked vegetables from the slow cooker or your favorite side dishes.

This slow cooker whole chicken recipe is perfect for a delicious and hassle-free meal. You can also use any leftover meat for sandwiches or salads. Enjoy!