Description
This Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken recipe delivers a tender, juicy whole chicken infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection, this meal requires minimal effort and results in a flavorful, fall-off-the-bone chicken with optional crispy skin achieved by broiling at the end.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Aromatics
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered (optional)
Additional
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a better skin texture.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the entire chicken with olive oil to help the spices adhere. In a bowl, mix paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Evenly sprinkle and rub this seasoning blend all over the chicken, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Aromatics: Stuff the chicken cavity with halved lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion if using, to infuse the meat with a fragrant aroma while cooking.
- Place in the Slow Cooker: Position the chicken breast-side up inside the slow cooker. Optionally, pour chicken broth into the bottom for added moisture, especially if you prefer softer skin rather than crispy.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring the chicken is safe and fully cooked.
- Finish (Optional): To crisp the skin, transfer the cooked chicken onto a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving; this allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat extra juicy and tender. Serve and enjoy your delicious slow cooker rotisserie-style chicken!
Notes
- Using a slow cooker yields tender and juicy chicken but will not crisp the skin unless broiled afterward.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for crispy skin.
- Chicken broth can help keep the chicken moist but can be omitted if you prefer crisper skin.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can customize the herb and spice blend to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
