Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe
There are three main reasons why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe: convenience, flavor, and tenderness.
First, I adore how easy it’s to prepare. With minimal prep time, I can set it and forget it, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Second, the flavor is simply irresistible. The combination of garlic, herbs, and the natural juices from the chicken creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills my kitchen.
Finally, the tenderness of the meat is unmatched. Cooking it slowly allows the flavors to infuse while keeping the chicken moist and juicy.
When I serve it, everyone raves about how delicious it is. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken recipe is a total game changer. You can practically set it and forget it, leaving you free to tackle other tasks, like binge-watching your favorite show or finally organizing that overflowing junk drawer (we all have one, right?).
The best part? It only requires a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have lurking in your kitchen. Let’s explore what you’ll need to make this drool-worthy dish.
- 5 lbs whole chicken
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or any oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons McCormick’s roasted garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 lemon, cut into quarters
- 1 onion, cut into quarters
Now, let’s chat about those ingredients a bit. First off, the whole chicken is the star of the show, so try to get a fresh one if you can—trust me, it makes a difference.
As for the seasoning, if you don’t have McCormick’s on hand, feel free to mix up your own garlic and herb blend. A combination of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and some garlic powder can work wonders too.
And don’t be shy about experimenting; cooking should be fun, and you might just discover a new favorite flavor combo. Just remember, whatever you use, it’s all about keeping it simple and delicious, so your taste buds can celebrate this easy yet hearty meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into the magic of making a Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, so grab your 5 lbs whole chicken and let’s get started.
First things first, give your slow cooker insert a good spray with cooking spray. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a Slow Cooker liner to make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, future you’ll thank you for that one.
Now, here’s a little trick I learned: place a metal trivet in the center of your slow cooker. If you don’t have one, no problem! You can easily fashion a ring out of aluminum foil. This little gadget keeps the chicken off the bottom, allowing it to cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.
Speaking of flavors, take your whole chicken and remove those giblets—if you can find them—then give it a rinse and pat it dry. Next, grab 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (or your oil of choice) and rub it all over the chicken. This is where the magic happens, folks. Slather that grease on like you’re giving the chicken a nice spa treatment.
Now, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of McCormick’s roasted garlic and herb seasoning generously over the bird, making sure to cover it nicely. Once your chicken is seasoned to perfection, stuff it with the onion quarters and lemon quarters—this is where it gets fragrant and zesty.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker, breast side up, and put the lid on. Cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal here is for that internal temperature to hit 165 degrees F.
Once it’s done, carefully take it out using tongs—this is a delicate operation; we want to keep that skin intact. Place it on a baking dish and pop it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. The heat will crisp up that skin beautifully.
If you’re in a hurry and your dish is broiler-safe, you can broil it for a quick 5 minutes instead. There you go, a deliciously tender and flavorful chicken that’s practically made itself while you were busy doing… well, whatever it’s you do when you’re not cooking. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste.
For instance, instead of bacon grease, olive oil or coconut oil works beautifully to keep the chicken moist. You can switch up the seasoning too—try using lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or even a spicy Cajun blend for a kick.
If you’re not a fan of lemon, substitute it with orange for a sweeter twist. You can also add vegetables like carrots and potatoes around the chicken for extra flavor and a complete meal.
Don’t hesitate to experiment; that’s part of the fun of slow cooking!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Serving a delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken opens up a world of pairing possibilities. I love to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the flavorful juices beautifully.
A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, adds color and a touch of sweetness. If you prefer something lighter, a fresh garden salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette complements the chicken perfectly.
For a heartier option, consider a quinoa pilaf, which offers a nice contrast in texture. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up those tasty drippings!
Each of these sides enhances the meal and makes it feel special, so you can’t go wrong with any choice. Enjoy experimenting!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken, keep a few tips in mind for the best results.
First, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning; this helps the skin crisp up nicely. If you can, let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight—this enhances the flavor considerably.
When cooking, I recommend using a trivet to keep the chicken elevated; this allows for better airflow and even cooking.
After slow cooking, a quick stint in a preheated oven gives you that irresistible crispy skin.
Finally, don’t forget to save any leftover juices for a delicious gravy. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!