Herb-Infused Crock Pot Whole Chicken Delight
Experience the ultimate convenience of a slow-cooked meal with this Herb-Infused Crock Pot Whole Chicken Delight. This recipe combines a whole chicken with a medley of aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables, creating an incredibly flavorful dish that practically cooks itself. Perfect for those busy days or as a comforting family dinner, the chicken emerges tender and juicy, infused with delightful herbaceous notes. Whether it's a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend, this is the meal you’ll want to return to again and again. Once you try this method, you'll find it hard to go back to traditional oven roasting!
N/A
Servings
420
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Chicken
3 (lb, cleaned and thawed)
Water
1 (cup)
Rosemary
3 (tablespoons)
Sage
3 (tablespoons)
Thyme
3 (tablespoons)
Poultry Seasoning
3 (tablespoons)
Onions
2 (large, chopped)
Baby Carrots
1 (lb)
New Potatoes
3 (lbs, halved or quartered)
Celery
4 (ribs, chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced)
Shallot
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
If time allows, marinate the chicken in a mixture of rosemary, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and water for 24 hours to enhance the flavor.
2
In the bottom of the crock pot, layer the chopped onions, baby carrots, new potatoes, chopped celery, minced garlic, and chopped shallot.
3
Place the marinated whole chicken on top of the vegetable layer, pouring any remaining spice water over the chicken.
4
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle additional herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and poultry seasoning on top of the chicken during the last hour of cooking, if time permits.
5
Cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 7 hours. Alternatively, cook on low for 8-9 hours, checking for doneness at the 8-hour mark.
6
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Serve hot, savoring the delightful flavors of the herbed chicken and tender vegetables.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
37g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Crock Pot Whole Chicken Delight?
It is a convenient slow-cooked meal that combines a whole chicken with a variety of aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables for a tender, flavorful result.
What size chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 3 lb whole chicken that has been cleaned and thawed.
How long does it take to cook this whole chicken in a slow cooker?
You can cook it on high for 1 hour followed by 7 hours on low, or simply cook it on low for 8-9 hours.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?
While optional, marinating the chicken in the spice and water mixture for 24 hours is recommended to enhance the flavor if time allows.
What herbs are essential for this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of rosemary, sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning.
Which vegetables are used as a base?
The base layer consists of chopped onions, baby carrots, new potatoes, chopped celery, minced garlic, and chopped shallot.
Can I add extra herbs during cooking?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional sage, thyme, rosemary, and poultry seasoning on top of the chicken during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
How much water is required for this recipe?
You should use 1 cup of water, which is also used for the spice marinade.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it contains the protein, vegetables, and potatoes all in one pot.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
A serving provides approximately 40g of protein.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents?
The dish contains 22g of fat and 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the new potatoes?
The 3 lbs of new potatoes should be halved or quartered before being placed in the crock pot.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the instructions indicate placing the marinated chicken directly on top of the vegetable layer.
Can I substitute shallots if I don't have them?
While shallots add a unique flavor, you could likely use more onion, though the original recipe specifies 1 chopped shallot.
Why are the vegetables placed at the bottom?
Placing vegetables at the bottom allows them to cook in the juices of the chicken and acts as a rack for the meat.
How many stalks of celery are used?
The recipe requires 4 ribs of chopped celery.
Is the chicken cooked on high or low heat?
The recipe suggests starting on high for 1 hour then switching to low for 7 hours, or cooking entirely on low for 8-9 hours.
What type of carrots are best for this recipe?
One pound of baby carrots is recommended for ease of preparation.
Can I use poultry seasoning alone?
The recipe specifically calls for rosemary, sage, and thyme in addition to poultry seasoning for the best herb infusion.
How much of each herb should I use?
Use 3 tablespoons each of rosemary, sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning.
What should I do with the remaining marinade water?
You should pour any remaining spice water over the chicken once it is placed in the crock pot.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a comforting family dinner that is perfect for busy days.
When should I check the chicken for doneness if cooking on low?
You should start checking for doneness at the 8-hour mark if cooking on low heat.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep work?
Beyond chopping the vegetables and optional marinating, it is an easy recipe that practically cooks itself.
What makes the chicken tender and juicy?
The slow-cooking method combined with the moisture from the vegetables and water ensures a tender result.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, with 40g of protein and a variety of vegetables, it makes for a balanced meal that can be stored for later.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to marinate the chicken for 24 hours in a mixture of herbs and water if time allows.