Herb-Infused Slow-Cooked Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort, this Herb-Infused Slow-Cooked Chicken is your answer. With aromatic herbs and tender meat, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Slow-Cooked Chicken

Whole chicken is the star of the show, providing tender and juicy meat. The salt and black pepper form the base seasoning, enhancing the chicken's natural flavors. Lemon adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness. Garlic brings a savory depth, while onion adds a subtle sweetness. Fresh rosemary and thyme are the herbal heroes, infusing the chicken with earthy aromas. A drizzle of olive oil helps everything meld together, and chicken broth keeps the meat moist, creating a flavorful base.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy skin, pop the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking.
  • Use kitchen twine to tie the chicken legs together for even cooking.
  • Save the leftover broth for soups or gravies; it's packed with flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh, tangy salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. Don’t forget a crusty bread to mop up those delicious juices!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third the amount since they are more concentrated.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can roast the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Herb-Infused Slow-Cooked Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing your whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning sticks well. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get inside the cavity for full flavor penetration.

Next, place the lemon halves and onion quarters inside the chicken cavity. This will help flavor the meat from the inside out. Tuck the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs around the chicken, then drizzle olive oil over the top. Rub the oil evenly over the skin to ensure a golden finish.

Pour a cup of chicken broth into your slow cooker. This will create a steaming environment that keeps the chicken tender. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. Cover and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and falls off the bone.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy. Carve and serve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, fuss-free preparation that lets your slow cooker do the work.
  • Aromatic herbs infuse every bite with amazing flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
  • Uses common ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Deliciously moist and tender chicken every time.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, quartered
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
4. Place lemon halves and onion quarters inside the chicken cavity.
5. Tuck rosemary and thyme sprigs around the chicken.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub to coat evenly.
7. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
8. Carefully place the chicken into the slow cooker.
9. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
10. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

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