Description
This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, rotisserie-style chicken made effortlessly in your crock pot. Seasoned with a smoky and sweet spice blend, it results in tender, juicy meat with crispy skin when finished under the broiler. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with versatile leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 5 lb whole chicken (neck and giblets removed)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Other
- Cooking spray
- Heavy duty aluminum foil (for ring rack)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create a balanced spice blend.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of a large slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Roll a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil into a ring shape that fits inside the slow cooker to act as a rack for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken on top of the foil ring in the slow cooker. Rub the prepared spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated for full flavor.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers at least 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a sheet pan or baking dish. Place under a preheated broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the chicken skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used in a variety of dishes.
Notes
- This recipe mimics a rotisserie-style chicken using a crock pot for convenience and ease.
- The spice rub provides a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
- Broiling at the end crisps up the skin, adding texture and visual appeal.
- Leftover chicken is versatile and can be incorporated into salads, sandwiches, soups, and more.
- Ensure to check the internal temperature of the chicken for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 347 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 603 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg
