Did you know that you can make a Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken that’s not only easy but also incredibly delicious? This cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and juicy as it cooks slowly throughout the day. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and rich flavors. Plus, you can use leftovers in various dishes, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just season and place the chicken in the slow cooker—let it do all the work!
- Flavorful and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures deep flavor penetration and moisture retention.
- Versatile Use of Leftovers: Enjoy the chicken in salads, sandwiches, or soups throughout the week.
- Healthy Meal Option: Low in calories and fat, this recipe fits well into a balanced diet.
- Budget-Friendly: A whole chicken is often more economical than purchasing separate cuts.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The main tool for this recipe, it allows for hands-off cooking while ensuring your chicken remains juicy.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to creating perfect seasoning blends.
- Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining seasonings without mess.
- Paper Towels: Useful for drying the chicken before seasoning, which helps achieve a crispier skin if desired.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- whole chicken: 4.00 lbs (1 about 4 lbs)
For Seasoning
- salt-free seasoning: 2.00 tsp (salt-free herb seasoning, such as Ms. Dash)
- black pepper: 1.00 tsp
- garlic powder: 1.00 tsp
How to Make Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Remove inside giblets from the chicken if they are included (save them for making chicken broth).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Seasoning Blends
- In a small bowl, combine salt-free seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle half of the seasoning blend inside the cavity of the chicken.
- Rub the remaining seasoning over the outside of the chicken.
Step 3: Cooking Time
- Place the seasoned chicken breast-side-up in an oval slow cooker or neck-up in a round slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Remove cooked chicken from bones and discard any skin.
- Serve immediately or store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
This simple Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your home cooking routine!
How to Serve Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
Serving slow-cooked whole chicken is easy and versatile. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, there are numerous ways to enjoy this delicious dish.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Use leftover chicken to make tacos. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and your favorite salsa for a quick meal.
Chicken Salad
- Combine shredded chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and grapes for a refreshing salad. Serve on lettuce leaves or as a sandwich filling.
Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Create a hearty rice bowl by layering cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed vegetables. Add soy sauce or teriyaki for extra flavor.
Chicken Soup
- Use the bones and giblets to make a comforting chicken soup. Simply add broth, veggies, and noodles for a warm dish.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce for a satisfying sandwich.
Meal Prep Containers
- Portion out the leftover chicken into meal prep containers with side dishes. This makes it easy to grab healthy meals throughout the week.
How to Perfect Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
To achieve the best results with your slow-cooked whole chicken, consider these tips for perfection.
- Choose the right size: Select a chicken that fits comfortably in your slow cooker for even cooking.
- Pat dry before seasoning: Ensuring the skin is dry helps seasonings adhere better and leads to crispier skin.
- Cook low and slow: Keep the temperature low for longer periods to maintain moisture and tenderness in the chicken.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to sit after cooking helps redistribute juices, making every bite flavorful.
- Use aromatics: Adding onions, garlic, or herbs around the chicken enhances flavor during cooking.
- Save the drippings: Use leftover juices from the slow cooker to create a delicious gravy or sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
Pairing side dishes with slow-cooked whole chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent base for soaking up juices from the chicken.Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offer a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.Steamed Broccoli
A simple side of steamed broccoli adds crunch and color while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.Quinoa Salad
Lightly seasoned quinoa mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta provides a refreshing contrast.Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn is always a hit; grill or boil it for an easy side that everyone loves.Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw adds crunchiness and balance to the richness of the slow-cooked chicken.Baked Sweet Potatoes
These naturally sweet potatoes pair well with savory flavors and are packed with nutrients.Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is light yet filling, making it an ideal accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using too much seasoning: While flavor is key, using excessive seasoning can overpower the chicken. Stick to the recommended amounts and adjust according to your taste.
- Not drying the chicken: Failing to pat the chicken dry can prevent it from browning properly and may lead to a watery result. Always dry your chicken thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning.
- Ignoring the size of your slow cooker: A chicken that is too large for your slow cooker will not cook evenly. Ensure that your chicken fits snugly in the pot without crowding.
- Opening the lid frequently: Each time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes, which can extend cooking time. Resist the urge to peek until it’s done!
- Skipping resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out, leading to dryness. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Freezing Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
- Portion the chicken into meal-sized servings.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and label with dates. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the chicken with foil. Heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place pieces on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water. Cover and reheat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken that many people ask.
How long does it take to cook a Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken?
Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker typically takes about 8 hours on low heat for optimal tenderness.
Can I cook frozen chicken in my slow cooker?
It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker as it may not reach safe temperatures quickly enough. Thaw it first for best results.
What should I serve with my Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken?
This versatile dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use different seasonings for my Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices based on your taste preferences—garlic, lemon zest, or even barbecue sauce work great!
Final Thoughts
The Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken recipe is an effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat without much fuss. This dish is not only perfect for family dinners but also offers great versatility; you can customize it with various seasonings or serve it alongside your favorite sides. Give this recipe a try, and discover how easy and delicious home-cooked meals can be!
PrintSlow-Cooked Whole Chicken
Discover the joy of effortless cooking with this Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken recipe, a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This method transforms a simple whole chicken into a tender and juicy dish, infused with rich flavors. Just season it and let your slow cooker do the work! Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, leftovers can be repurposed into various dishes like tacos, salads, and soups. Enjoy the convenience of a wholesome, budget-friendly meal that the entire family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 lbs whole chicken
- 2 tsp salt-free seasoning (like Ms. Dash)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by removing giblets and patting dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt-free seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder. Season the inside cavity and rub the remaining mixture on the outside.
- Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 chicken (about 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
