Prepare the Chicken: Start by removing any giblets from the chicken’s cavity and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken ensures a crispy skin when it’s finished cooking.
Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over the entire chicken, ensuring all surfaces are coated, including the inside of the cavity.
Stuff the Chicken: Take the quartered lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and onion quarters and stuff them inside the chicken’s cavity. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks.
Set up the Slow Cooker: Place a few whole garlic cloves or additional onion pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a bed for the chicken to sit on. This helps elevate the chicken slightly and prevents it from sitting in its own juices.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken, breast side up, into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth around the chicken (this is optional but helps keep the chicken moist). Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear.
Crisp the Skin (Optional): If you prefer a crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the skin is crispy (if desired), remove it from the slow cooker. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides or use the meat for other recipes like sandwiches or salads.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serve with Sides: Slow-cooked rotisserie chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You can also use it for tacos, wraps, or as a topping for pasta.
Store Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a quick protein for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Use the Carcass for Broth: Don’t throw away the chicken carcass! You can use it to make a homemade chicken broth. Simply add the leftover bones to a pot with water, vegetables, and seasoning, and simmer for a few hours.
Reheat Carefully: When reheating leftover chicken, avoid drying it out by wrapping it in foil or adding a small amount of broth to keep it moist.
Variants:
Herb-Infused Rotisserie Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to the cavity of the chicken or beneath the skin for a more aromatic flavor.
Spicy Rotisserie Chicken: For a kick of heat, sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix, or stuff a sliced jalapeño inside the chicken.
Lemon and Garlic Rotisserie Chicken: Increase the amount of lemon and garlic for an even more citrusy and garlicky flavor. Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix for extra zing.
BBQ Rotisserie Chicken: If you like barbecue flavors, brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking or once it’s done in the slow cooker.
FAQ:
Can I cook a smaller or larger chicken in the slow cooker? Yes! The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken. A smaller chicken (around 3 lbs) may take 5-6 hours on low or 2.5-3 hours on high. A larger chicken (6 lbs or more) may require a bit more time—up to 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker? It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker, as it can be unsafe due to the long cooking time at low temperatures. Always defrost the chicken in the fridge before cooking.
Can I use a different cut of chicken for this recipe? While the recipe is designed for a whole chicken, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time (usually 3-4 hours on low for thighs, 2-3 hours for breasts), and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Why is my chicken not as crispy as I wanted? Slow cookers are great for tenderizing meat, but they don’t do much for creating a crispy skin. To achieve a crispy texture, broil the chicken in the oven after slow cooking. This step ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken? Absolutely! You can add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips around the chicken to cook at the same time. Just be sure to place them at the bottom of the slow cooker, beneath the chicken, to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion: This slow cooker rotisserie chicken is the epitome of convenience and flavor. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s tender, juicy, and packed with delicious seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it on its own or use it in a variety of dishes – the possibilities are endless!
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