Making rotisserie-style chicken in a slow cooker is a convenient way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Here’s a simple recipe for slow cooker rotisserie chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chicken, inside and out.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the quartered onion, garlic cloves, and lemon quarters into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the onion, garlic, and lemon in the slow cooker, breast side up.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- Optional Broiling Step (for crispy skin):
- Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully transfer it to a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
- Broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes:
- Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to comfortably fit the whole chicken.
- You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- The optional broiling step helps achieve that crispy, golden skin typically associated with rotisserie chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and used in sandwiches, salads, or other dishes.
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker rotisserie chicken!