Description
This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, juicy rotisserie-style chicken with minimal effort. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and spices, this dish is slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished under the broiler for crispy, golden skin. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, the leftovers are versatile for use in various meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 5 lb whole chicken (neck and giblets removed)
- Cooking spray
For the Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create an even seasoning blend.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Coat the inside of a large slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, roll a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil into a ring shape that fits snugly inside the slow cooker to act as a rack, allowing heat to circulate around the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Place the whole chicken on top of the foil ring inside the slow cooker. Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly all over the surface of the chicken to ensure full flavor penetration.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers at 165°F (74°C) or higher, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a sheet pan or baking dish. Place under the oven broiler for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns brown and crispy, adding a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the broiler, let it rest briefly, then carve and serve immediately. Enjoy the flavorful and moist slow-cooked chicken.
Notes
- This recipe offers a rotisserie-style chicken made effortlessly in a crock pot, providing a smoky and savory flavor profile.
- Leftover chicken is versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
- Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.
- Using the foil ring elevates the chicken for even cooking and prevents it from sitting in its own juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 347 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 603 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg
