When the weather cools and the days grow shorter, there’s something almost magical about letting a slow cooker work its wonders—especially when it transforms an ordinary chicken into a feast of juicy delight. Much like waiting for the latest iPhone update, the anticipation builds as the aroma fills your home, promising a meal that’s as comforting as a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn evening. So, let’s step into the kitchen and create a rotisserie chicken that might just become a new family legend—or at least a delicious tale for dinner conversation.
Steps
- Prepare the chicken by removing its insides and neck, if included. Rinse it thoroughly under water and pat dry using paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning blend all over the chicken, ensuring to cover the outside, inside cavity, and even beneath the skin if possible.
- Form small balls of aluminum foil or slice onions and vegetables thickly. Place these at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent the chicken from sitting in its juices. Position the chicken on top of the aluminum foil or veggies, pressing down slightly if necessary to fit the lid.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker, as it may be very tender and fall apart. Serve the chicken as desired, discarding the bones.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 4–5 lbs.), with insides removed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Aluminum foil, or thickly-sliced onions or vegetables (optional)
FAQ
- Can I fit a whole chicken in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely, you can fit an entire chicken in a slow cooker, even in a smaller 3-quart model. The chicken may shrink slightly during cooking, making it a perfect fit.
- Will the chicken skin be crispy when cooked in a slow cooker?
- The chicken skin will be tender and seasoned rather than crispy. If you desire crispy skin, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes on a high setting.
- How do I prevent the chicken from sitting in its juices while cooking?
- To elevate the chicken, you can place balls of aluminum foil or thickly sliced vegetables like onions or carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a makeshift rack.
- What is the cooking time for a whole chicken in a slow cooker?
- You can cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Can I use the juices from the slow cooker?
- Yes, the juices collected at the bottom can make an excellent base for chicken broth or other recipes.
Tips
- Elevate the Chicken: To prevent the chicken from sitting in its juices all day, create a rack using aluminum foil balls or thick slices of onions or vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. This keeps the chicken elevated and allows the juices to be used later as a base for broth.
- Crisp the Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish and place it under the broiler on high for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
- Season Thoroughly: Ensure the seasoning mix is applied not only on the outside but also inside the cavity and beneath the skin of the chicken breasts for maximum flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary based on the size of the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F for perfectly cooked meat.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (at least 3-quart size)
- Meat Thermometer (to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F)
