Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
248 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Description
This recipe applies a dry rub made from paprika, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and dried thyme to the exterior of a whole chicken. Aromatics—large onion pieces, fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon wedges, and garlic cloves—are placed inside the cavity and at the bottom of the slow cooker. The chicken is placed breast side down on the onion bed and slow cooked, allowing the spices and herbs to permeate the meat during a long gentle cook.
The slow cooker method yields moist, tender chicken that easily falls off the bone due to low and steady heat over several hours. This hands-off approach avoids drying out the bird and enhances deep flavor from spices and fresh herbs. The absence of added liquid lets the flavors concentrate naturally.
This chicken makes a hearty main dish suitable for dinner served alongside roasted or steamed vegetables and rice or mashed potatoes. It is also convenient for meal prepping or feeding a family with minimal active cooking time.
Using a slow cooker is essential for this technique; adjustments may be needed for other cooking methods.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 whole onion peeled and cut into large pieces
- 2 prigs rosemary fresh
- 2 lemon wedges
- 4 cloves garlic
- l chicken about 4 pounds, large, whole
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, cayenne and black pepper. Set aside.
- Place the onion pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Remove any giblets from the chicken and stuff it with rosemary, garlic and lemon wedges (or whatever herbs and aromatics you like).
- Rub the outside of the chicken with the spice mixture. If you like you can also rub some of the spices on the inside of the cavity and beneath the skin covering the breasts.
- Place the spice rubbed chicken, breast side down, on top of the onion pieces and cover the slow cooker. You won't need to add any extra liquid.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove from the slow cooker and serve.
Notes
- This recipe was adapted from 100 Days of Real Food by Lisa Leake.
- A slow cooker is required to prepare this whole chicken as directed.
- Remove giblets before cooking and stuff the cavity with rosemary, garlic, and lemon wedges for flavor infusion.
- Cooking times are about 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low until chicken is tender and easily pulled from the bone.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 248 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 248kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 464mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 276mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 535IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 21.5mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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