Picture this: a chilly Sunday afternoon, the kind where the world outside feels a bit too brisk, and the allure of staying in becomes irresistible.
You decide it’s the perfect day to fill your home with the comforting aroma of a perfectly cooked meal. Enter the hero of the story:
the humble whole chicken, transformed into a masterpiece by the slow cooker—a kitchen gadget that somehow feels both modern and wonderfully old-fashioned.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir the spices until evenly mixed.
- Use cooking spray to coat the inside of a large slow cooker. Form a ring from a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it in the cooker to act as a rack.
- Position the chicken on the foil ring, ensuring it is stable. Rub the spice blend thoroughly over the entire surface of the chicken.
- Cover and cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours, until a thermometer in the thigh reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Move the cooked chicken to a baking sheet or dish, then broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes. This will give the chicken skin a golden brown and crispy finish, perfect for serving.
Ingredients
- 5 lb whole chicken, neck and giblets removed
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1735kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 170g | Fat: 85g | Saturated Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 680mg | Sodium: 3015mg | Potassium: 1845mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 4150IU | Vitamin C: 14.5mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 9.5mg
FAQ
- Can you prepare a whole chicken in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! You can cook an entire chicken in a slow cooker. It’s important to select a chicken that comfortably fits your slow cooker. An oval slow cooker is ideal for larger chickens, while a smaller round slow cooker may require a smaller bird. The chicken is seasoned with a spice blend and placed on a foil ring inside the slow cooker to prevent it from steaming in its juices.
- Is cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker safe?
- Yes, cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is safe, especially if you cook it on high heat for at least an hour. This recipe recommends cooking the chicken on high throughout the process to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature for food safety.
- How long does it take to cook a chicken in a slow cooker?
- Cooking a chicken on high heat in a slow cooker typically takes about 3-4 hours. If you prefer to cook on low heat, it will take approximately 8 hours. However, it’s crucial to start by cooking on high for the first hour to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
- How can I achieve a crispy, golden brown skin on the slow-cooked chicken?
- To get that crispy, golden brown skin common with rotisserie chicken, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking pan and broil it in the oven for about 5 minutes. This step will give you that beautiful, appetizing skin.
- What can I do with leftover slow-cooked chicken?
- There are numerous delicious dishes you can create with leftover slow-cooked chicken, such as Chicken Taco Soup, Chicken Ranch Tacos, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip, and Chicken Taquitos.
Tips
- Ensure your chicken fits your slow cooker by selecting an appropriately sized bird. If you have a smaller round slow cooker, consider choosing a smaller chicken to avoid any space issues.
- To prevent your chicken from steaming in its own juices, place it on a ring of aluminum foil inside the slow cooker. This acts as a rack and promotes even cooking.
- For optimal food safety, it’s advised to cook the chicken on high heat for at least one hour. If you plan to switch to low heat, start on high to ensure the chicken reaches the correct temperature.
- To achieve a crispy, golden brown skin reminiscent of rotisserie chicken, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for about 5 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Oval Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the whole chicken.
- Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil – Used to create a rack for the chicken inside the slow cooker.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature.
- Baking Sheet or Baking Dish – Needed for broiling the chicken to achieve crispy skin.
