Easy Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken: Juicy, Flavorful & Effortless

Introduction

Discover the ultimate hands-off cooking experience with this slow cooker rotisserie chicken recipe. Achieve incredibly tender and juicy chicken with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, home-cooked meal. Enjoy the satisfying flavor of homemade “rotisserie” chicken without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

  • Requires minimal hands-on prep, freeing up your time for other activities.
  • Delivers incredibly tender, juicy meat that’s sure to impress your family.
  • More affordable than store-bought rotisserie chickens, saving you money.
  • You’re in control of all the ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal.
  • It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
  • Fills your home with an amazing aroma that will make everyone hungry!

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), insides removed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Aluminum foil balls or thick-sliced onions/carrots

This slow cooker chicken recipe begins with quality ingredients. The spice blend brings out amazing flavor.

Notes & Substitutions

  • Adjust the chicken size to fit your slow cooker comfortably; don’t overcrowd it.
  • Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor to your liking.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of aroma.
  • Feel free to use any preferred aromatics, such as lemon slices or garlic cloves, inside the chicken cavity.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (3-6 quart)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large tongs or lifters

Having the right equipment will make preparing this rotisserie chicken recipe a breeze.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken:
    • Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water.
    • Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, inside and out.
  2. Make Dry Rub:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together all the spices (smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder).
  3. Season Chicken:
    • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken.
    • Be sure to include the cavity and under the skin of the breast, if possible.
  4. Set Up Slow Cooker:
    • Place aluminum foil balls or thickly sliced onions/carrots in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a “rack”.
    • Position the seasoned chicken on top of the foil or vegetables.
  5. Cook Chicken:
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
    • Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  6. Check Doneness:
    • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
    • Ensuring the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature is crucial for food safety according to USDA guidelines.
  7. Serve:
    • Carefully remove the slow cooker rotisserie chicken from the cooker.
    • Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving or shredding.

This rotisserie chicken method could not be easier.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

  • Crispy Skin: For crispy skin, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes after cooking, watching closely to prevent burning. For those who prefer a crispy finish, understanding broiling techniques for poultry can make a significant difference.
  • Prevent Dryness: Don’t overcook the chicken; rely on a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
  • Use Drippings: Save the flavorful juices from the bottom of the slow cooker to use for broth or gravy.
  • Even Cooking: Elevating the chicken on a rack ensures more even cooking.
  • Flavor Boost: Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

  • Serving Ideas:
    • Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
    • Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh side salad.
    • Shred the slow cooker rotisserie chicken for sandwiches, tacos, or pasta dishes.
  • Storage:
    • Refrigerate any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
    • Freeze shredded chicken in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Variations:
    • Lemon Herb: Add fresh lemon slices and rosemary sprigs to the cavity.
    • Spicy: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the spice rub.
    • BBQ: Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this slow cooker chicken recipe as part of a healthy diet.

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories≈350
Protein≈40g
Fat≈20g
Saturated Fat≈6g
Carbohydrates≈2g
Fiber≈0g
Sugar≈0g

Typical estimated values per serving. Remember that homemade preparation allows you to control ingredients.

FAQ

  • Can I use a larger or smaller chicken in this slow cooker rotisserie chicken recipe?
    • Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. A larger chicken will require a longer cooking time, while a smaller chicken will need less time.
  • How do I get crispy skin on a slow cooker chicken?
    • The slow cooker won’t crisp the skin. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  • Can I put vegetables in the slow cooker with the chicken?
    • Yes, you can add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker so they cook in the juices.
  • What can I do with the leftover rotisserie chicken?
  • Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
    • No, you don’t need to add any liquid. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, providing enough moisture.

Conclusion

Embrace the incredible ease of slow cooking with this simple recipe. You’ll be rewarded with a tender, juicy, and flavorful slow cooker rotisserie chicken that rivals store-bought versions. This is a perfect way to enjoy delicious, stress-free meals any night of the week. Don’t forget to share your homemade creations with friends and family!

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Easy Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken: Juicy, Flavorful & Effortless

This effortless slow cooker recipe yields a juicy, flavorful whole chicken with a crispy skin-like texture, perfect for a fuss-free meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper Towels
  • Aluminum foil (optional, for rack)
  • Onions or vegetables (optional, for rack)
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole whole chicken about 4-5 lbs., insides removed

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, including inside the cavity and under the skin.

Cooking

  • Roll aluminum foil balls or thickly slice onions/vegetables to create a rack at the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the chicken on top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Serving

  • Carefully remove the tender chicken from the slow cooker, discard the bones, and serve as desired.

Notes

A small 3-quart slow cooker can be used, though the chicken might fit snugly before shrinking during cooking.

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