Slow-Cooked Garlic Herb Whole Chicken
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Slow-Cooked Garlic Herb Whole Chicken. This dish features tender, juicy chicken that practically falls off the bone, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe effortlessly transforms any whole chicken into a flavorful centerpiece. Skip the overnight refrigeration if you're short on time, and feel free to customize by adding fresh herbs or citrus. For fun take, try substituting the traditional spices with a zesty Fajita Seasoning Mix. Designed for a 6-quart slow cooker, this dish serves four, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. All you need alongside is some crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
4 teaspoons (to taste)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (ground)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
White Pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Large Roasting Chicken
1 (with pop-up timer if possible)
Chopped Onion
1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a spice blend.
2
Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity and rinse the chicken under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat both the outside and inside of the cavity.
4
For optimal flavor, place the seasoned chicken in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if time allows (though skipping this step is fine for a quicker meal).
5
When ready to cook, place the chopped onion at the bottom of the 6-quart slow cooker.
6
Add the chicken on top of the onions. No additional liquid is needed as the chicken will naturally release its juices while cooking.
7
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 8 hours, depending on your slow cooker. (To avoid overcooking, using a pop-up timer in the chicken can help gauge doneness, as cooking times can vary.)
8
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Slow-Cooked Garlic Herb Whole Chicken.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this dish.
How many people does this chicken recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve four people.
What spices are included in the garlic herb blend?
The blend includes salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Do I need to add water or broth to the slow cooker?
No additional liquid is needed because the chicken will naturally release its own juices while cooking.
Is it necessary to remove the giblets before cooking?
Yes, you should remove any giblets from the chicken cavity before seasoning and cooking.
Should the chicken be rinsed before seasoning?
The recipe instructions suggest rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels.
How long should I refrigerate the seasoned chicken?
For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, though you can skip this if you are in a hurry.
What is the purpose of placing chopped onion at the bottom?
The onion acts as a base for the chicken and adds aromatic flavor to the dish.
What is the suggested cooking time on low?
The chicken should cook on low for 4 to 8 hours depending on your specific slow cooker.
How can I ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Using a pop-up timer or a meat thermometer can help you gauge doneness and avoid overcooking.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving to keep it juicy.
Can I substitute the spice blend for something else?
Yes, you can try substituting the traditional spices with a zesty Fajita Seasoning Mix for a different flavor profile.
What are some recommended side dishes?
Crusty bread or steamed vegetables are perfect side dishes for this meal.
Can I add fresh herbs or citrus to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe can be customized by adding fresh herbs or citrus for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the tender chicken is versatile for various meals.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this chicken recipe is tagged as a low-carb meal option.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
A large roasting chicken is best for this slow-cooker method.
Does this recipe require any preparation for the spice rub?
Mix all the individual spices in a small bowl to create the blend before rubbing it on the chicken.
How much salt is used in the spice blend?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in the spice rub.
Is the cayenne pepper very hot in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds flavor and a slight kick but can be adjusted to your heat preference.
What type of pepper is used besides black pepper?
The recipe also includes 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper.
How much thyme is needed?
One teaspoon of dried thyme is used in the seasoning mix.
Is the onion required at the bottom of the cooker?
The chopped onion is listed as optional but recommended for better flavor.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
While the recipe specifies low heat, most slow cooker whole chickens take about half the time on high, though low heat is best for tenderness.
Is this dish appropriate for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful centerpiece perfect for special occasions.
How is the texture of the chicken described?
The chicken is described as tender, juicy, and practically falling off the bone.
What should I do if my chicken doesn't have a pop-up timer?
You can use a standard meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where should the spice mixture be applied?
Generously rub the mixture all over the chicken, coating both the outside and the inside of the cavity.