Quicky Cooking magic happening... ⚡
Herb-Roasted Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
📹 Video Tutorial from YouTube
ℹ️ Video Disclaimer: This video is embedded from YouTube and is not owned by us. All rights belong to the original creator. Watch on YouTube
🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 whole head of garlic, halved crosswise
- 4 medium potatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels
In a small bowl, mix olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible
Place chopped vegetables and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker
Pour chicken broth over the vegetables
Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours
Check internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest part of the thigh
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving
Serve with vegetables and cooking juices
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Serving platter
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen twine (optional)
- Basting brush
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
Place aluminum foil balls under chicken for elevation from liquid
Try different herb combinations like sage, tarragon, or oregano
Add lemon halves to cavity for extra flavor
Use wine instead of broth for more complex flavor
Add mushrooms in last hour of cooking
Create gravy from strained cooking liquid
Stuff cavity with fresh herbs and lemon for additional flavor
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 60min, Running 30min, Cycling 45min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator Keep vegetables separate from meat for best quality Store cooking liquid separately to use as stock for other recipes
🔥 Reheating Tips
- Reheat chicken pieces in microwave with a damp paper towel cover Warm in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes for larger portions Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain moisture
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Prep vegetables up to 24 hours in advance Mix dry rub ingredients and store in airtight container Clean and pat dry chicken night before cooking
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Remove meat from bones before freezing Wrap portions tightly in freezer paper or vacuum seal Freeze for up to 3 months Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with the cooked vegetables from the slow cooker Pair with a fresh green salad with light vinaigrette Offer crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices Serve with additional roasted vegetables if desired Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not patting the chicken dry before seasoning Overcrowding the slow cooker with too many vegetables Adding too much liquid which can make the dish watery Not checking internal temperature for food safety Lifting the lid too frequently during cooking
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Lemon-Herb: Add lemon zest and juice with fresh herbs Garlic-Butter: Rub softened garlic butter under skin before cooking BBQ Style: Use your favorite BBQ rub and finish with sauce Mediterranean: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and Chinese five spice
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
No, always thaw chicken completely before slow cooking for food safety.
Yes, but only a small amount (1/2 cup) as the chicken will release its own juices.
Yes, but cooking on low temperature yields more tender meat.
No, keep the skin on to maintain moisture and flavor.
Avoid overcooking and handle carefully when removing from slow cooker.
Yes, but ensure not to overcrowd the cooker as this affects cooking time.
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for a whole chicken.
Store properly refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Yes, strain and thicken the liquid with cornstarch or flour.
