Tender and Juicy Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole chicken (preferably free-range; look for firm, pale skin and avoid bruises)1.5 kg
- Olive oil or melted butter (to keep the chicken moist)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)0.5 tsp
- Garlic cloves (peeled and minced)3 pieces
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for aroma)2 sprigs
- Lemon (cut in quarters for stuffing inside the chicken to add flavor)1 piece
- Onion (cut into wedges, optional for the slow cooker base)1 piece
- Carrots (peeled and chopped, optional for the slow cooker base)2 pieces
This slow-cooked whole chicken recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for an easy yet delicious main dish. Slow cooking ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy while allowing flavors to develop beautifully. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe suits those with basic kitchen tools and average cooking skills. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900, yielding four servings. Each serving contains about 350 calories, making it a wholesome meal. This dish fits well within a balanced diet and requires minimal active hands-on time, taking around 6 hours in the slow cooker. The recipe's difficulty is easy, ideal for beginners. Food safety is emphasized with the recommended internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for chicken, ensuring safe and enjoyable consumption.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken
1Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps to achieve a better texture and avoid splatter during cooking.
Season the chicken
2Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken, inside and out. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Rub the minced garlic over the skin. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and rosemary or thyme sprigs if using for added flavor.
Prepare the slow cooker
3Place the onion wedges and carrot pieces on the bottom of the slow cooker. This will act as a bed for the chicken and impart flavor.
Cook the chicken
4Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid. Set the slow cooker on Low and cook for 5 to 6 hours. Cooking on low ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy. If using high setting, reduce cooking time to about 3 to 4 hours.
Check for doneness
5Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is at least 75°C (165°F). Once this temperature is reached, the chicken is safe to eat.
Rest the chicken
6Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board, covered loosely with foil, for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister bird.
Serve
7Carve the chicken and serve alongside the cooked vegetables or your preferred side dishes. Enjoy your tender, juicy slow-cooked chicken!
Cooking Tips
1Make sure your slow cooker pot is large enough to comfortably hold the whole chicken.
2Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
3You can add potatoes or other root vegetables to cook along with the chicken for a complete meal.
4If you prefer, substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs (use about 1 teaspoon dried) for seasoning.
5Ensure to use a clean meat thermometer and avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs or forks for handling chicken
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole chicken (about 1.5 kg) - $8: Look for fresh, firm skin and clean smell.
- [ ] Olive oil or butter - $2 (small bottle or pack): Choose extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves - $0.50 (per bulb): Fresh cloves are more aromatic.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional) - $1.50: Fresh herbs add more aroma than dried.
- [ ] Lemon - $0.50: Choose firm lemons with bright yellow skin.
- [ ] Onion - $0.30: Firm and with dry skin.
- [ ] Carrots - $0.50 (2 carrots): Choose firm and smooth carrots.
Total Approximate Cost: $13.30
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker recipe?
It's best to use fully thawed chicken in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and safety. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can keep the meat at unsafe temperatures too long.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh; it should read at least 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Potatoes, parsnips, or other root vegetables can be added to the base to cook along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
You can substitute dried herbs; use about one-third the amount as fresh herbs (e.g., 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of 2 sprigs).
Is it safe to open the slow cooker lid during cooking?
Avoid opening the lid frequently as it releases heat and increases cooking time. Only open when necessary for checking or stirring.