Tired of complicated dinners that take forever to prepare? Craving a delicious, healthy meal the whole family will love, without spending hours in the kitchen? Then this crockpot rotisserie chicken recipe is your answer! This simple recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for the weekend. Get ready to experience the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Rinse the chicken thoroughly inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures crispy skin and even cooking.
Season and Prepare:
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it gets into every nook and cranny. This step is crucial for building flavor.
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Place the lemon quarters and rosemary sprigs inside the chicken cavity.
Slow Cooking Magic:
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Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help keep the chicken moist during cooking.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken and your slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions:
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Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
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Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad are all excellent choices. The flavorful juices from the slow cooker can be used to make a delicious gravy.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space around the chicken for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes, carrots, and onions to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Increase the lemon and herbs for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the spice rub for a kick.
- Garlic Lover's Chicken: Add extra garlic cloves inside the cavity and to the spice rub.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the size of the chicken and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-5g
This crockpot rotisserie chicken recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. Its ease of preparation and minimal cleanup make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Enjoy!