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How To Cook A Whole Chicken In A Slow Cooker?
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Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. With the right ingredients and cooking methods, you can achieve tender and juicy chicken that is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. In this article, we will go through step-by-step instructions on how to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker.
Before you start cooking, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Whole chicken (3-5 lbs)
Slow cooker
1 onion
2-3 carrots
2-3 celery sticks
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika
Thyme
Rosemary
Olive oil
Meat thermometer
Prepare The Chicken
Remove the chicken from its packaging and take out the giblets from inside the cavity. Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Seasoning The Chicken
Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, including the cavity. Drizzle some olive oil over the chicken to help it brown.
Add Liquid
Cut the onion, carrots, and celery into large chunks and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover the vegetables.
Cook The Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
Test For Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Resting And Serving The Chicken
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful. Serve the chicken with the vegetables and juices from the slow cooker.
Storing The Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook the perfect whole chicken in a slow cooker:
Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with your favorite seasoning mix, such as a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs. This will add flavor to the chicken and make it taste more delicious.
Add vegetables: Adding vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery to the slow cooker can add flavor and nutrition to the chicken. The vegetables will also help to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Don’t lift the lid: Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking, as this can cause the heat to escape and increase the cooking time.
Let it rest: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Use the leftover broth: The broth leftover from cooking the chicken can be used as a flavorful base for soups, stews, and gravies.
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker?
It takes 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker.
Can I cook the chicken without vegetables?
Yes, you can skip the vegetables and just use water or broth to cook the chicken.
Do I need to add oil to the slow cooker?
You don’t need to add oil, but drizzling some olive oil over the chicken can help it brown and add flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker, as it can lead to uneven cooking and food safety issues.
What can I do with the leftover chicken?
You can use the leftover chicken in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is an easy and fuss-free way to prepare a delicious meal. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy tender and juicy chicken that is perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or meal prep, and enjoy the convenience and flavor that slow cooking can offer.
