Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken a la Rotisserie
Inspired by a love for home-cooked meals and the ease of slow cooking, this Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken a la Rotisserie captures the essence of rotisserie-style flavors right in your kitchen. Adapted from Stephanie O'Dea's "Make it Fast, Cook it Slow," this recipe allows you to enjoy the tender, juicy chicken without the need to travel to the grocery store for pre-cooked options. By using simple yet flavorful seasoning, this dish transforms budget-friendly whole roasting chickens into a family favorite. The slow cooking method ensures that the meat remains moist and tender, while the skin becomes beautifully golden. Plus, you can use the leftover bits to make a delicious homemade chicken stock, maximizing every last morsel for your culinary adventures!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole roasting chicken
1 (4-5 lbs, cleaned and patted dry)
Kosher salt
3 teaspoons (to taste)
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (or regular paprika)
Onion powder
1 teaspoon
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Garlic cloves
4 whole (optional)
Yellow onion
1 (quartered, optional)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying the inside of a 5-quart or larger crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a small bowl, mix together all the dry seasonings: kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper (if using).
3
Rub the seasoning mixture generously all over the chicken, making sure to cover both the inside and outside thoroughly.
4
Optionally, place the quartered yellow onion and whole garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken for added flavor, or leave the cavity empty for a more straightforward taste.
5
Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot, breast side down.
6
Important: Do not add any water or liquid to the crockpot—this allows the chicken to self-baste.
7
Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone easily.
8
For presentation, if desired, you can carefully reassemble the chicken pieces on a platter before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken a la Rotisserie?
It is a slow cooker recipe inspired by rotisserie-style flavors, designed to produce tender and juicy chicken at home using a simple seasoning rub.
What inspired this recipe?
This dish was adapted from Stephanie O'Dea's cookbook 'Make it Fast, Cook it Slow'.
What size of chicken is recommended?
A whole roasting chicken weighing between 4 and 5 lbs is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the crockpot before cooking?
Spray the inside of a 5-quart or larger crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
What seasonings are included in the dry rub?
The rub consists of kosher salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
How much kosher salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of kosher salt, or more to taste.
Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked?
Yes, regular paprika can be used as a substitute if you do not have smoked paprika.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
How should the seasoning rub be applied?
Rub the mixture generously all over the chicken, making sure to cover both the inside and outside thoroughly.
What aromatics can be placed inside the chicken cavity?
You can place one quartered yellow onion and 4 whole garlic cloves into the cavity for added flavor.
Should I add water or broth to the crockpot?
No, do not add any water or liquid to the crockpot; this allows the chicken to self-baste in its own juices.
How should the chicken be positioned in the slow cooker?
The seasoned chicken should be placed into the crockpot breast side down.
How long is the cooking time on the high setting?
If cooking on high, the chicken will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.
How long is the cooking time on the low setting?
If cooking on low, the chicken should cook for 8 hours.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is ready when it is tender and the meat falls off the bone easily.
Can I use the leftovers for anything else?
Yes, you can use the leftover bits to make a delicious homemade chicken stock.
What type of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is recommended for the seasoning rub.
How much onion powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
Is black pepper a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is listed as optional.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 4 whole garlic cloves.
What kind of onion is recommended for the cavity?
One yellow onion, quartered, is recommended for stuffing the cavity.
How much Italian seasoning is required?
The rub includes 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
How much dried thyme is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What size crockpot is necessary?
You should use a 5-quart or larger crockpot for this chicken.
Will the chicken skin become golden?
Yes, according to the description, the slow cooking method allows the skin to become beautifully golden.
Can the chicken be reassembled for presentation?
Yes, for better presentation, you can carefully reassemble the chicken pieces on a platter before serving.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically described as a budget-friendly way to enjoy rotisserie-style chicken at home.
What is the preparation for the chicken before seasoning?
The chicken should be cleaned and patted dry before applying the dry rub.
Why is no liquid added to the crockpot?
Omitting liquid prevents the chicken from boiling and allows it to self-baste for better texture and flavor.
Does this recipe result in moist meat?
Yes, the slow cooking method ensures that the meat remains moist and tender.