Description
Garlic-infused whole chicken emerges as a culinary masterpiece from your slow cooker, delivering rich, tender flavors that dance across taste buds. Mediterranean herbs and succulent meat promise a comforting meal that draws family and friends closer around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tbsps olive oil or melted butter
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
Instructions
- Chicken Preparation: Meticulously blot the poultry with absorbent towels, ensuring complete dryness and removing any internal organs.
- Seasoning Infusion: Craft a vibrant spice blend combining salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly across the entire chicken surface, penetrating beneath the skin to maximize flavor penetration.
- Cavity Enhancement: Nestle crushed garlic cloves, tangy lemon wedges, and aromatic onion chunks within the chicken’s internal cavity, creating a flavor reservoir.
- Slow Cooker Positioning: Lavish the chicken with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, positioning it breast-side upward in the slow cooker. Gently pour chicken broth around the bird to maintain moisture.
- Culinary Transformation: Secure the lid and allow the chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or accelerate on high for 4-5 hours. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) at the thickest thigh section.
- Texture Refinement: For those desiring crisp exterior, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and briefly broil for 5 minutes until achieving a golden, crackling skin.
- Serving Presentation: Allow the chicken to rest peacefully for 10 minutes, permitting juices to redistribute, then carve and plate alongside complementary accompaniments.
Notes
- Pat the chicken completely dry to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- Gently separate skin from meat and rub seasonings underneath for deeper flavor penetration.
- Position chicken breast-side up to prevent drying out and ensure uniform heat distribution.
- Use broiler method for 5 minutes to achieve golden, crackling exterior after slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg