Savory Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken

Name: Savory Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs whole chicken; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp dried thyme; 1 tbsp dried rosemary; 1 tbsp paprika; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 lemon, sliced; 1 cup chicken broth

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you’re searching for a dish that's both comforting and impressive, look no further than this Savory Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken. It’s an effortless way to infuse your kitchen with the aromas of garlic and rosemary while delivering a juicy, tender chicken every time. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings!

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Ingredients for Savory Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken

Whole chicken is the star of this dish, providing tender meat that absorbs all the flavors. Olive oil helps crisp up the skin and locks in moisture. A blend of salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika creates that savory herbed crust that makes this dish special. Garlic and onion add depth, while carrots and celery contribute sweetness and texture. Lemon slices provide a fresh, zesty note, and chicken broth ensures everything stays moist and flavorful.

Tips & Tricks

If you like a bit of crispiness, pop the chicken under a broiler for 3-4 minutes after slow cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Save the leftover broth and veggies for a quick soup base—just add noodles or rice!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light, fresh salad. For a full meal, consider serving it alongside roasted root vegetables or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?: Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 4-5 hours as they cook faster and can dry out.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?: You can roast the chicken in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 1.5-2 hours.
Can I add other herbs?: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like sage or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Savory Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing your whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Next, rub the chicken all over with olive oil—this is your base for that crispy, golden skin.

In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Generously rub this mixture over the chicken, making sure every little nook and cranny is covered for maximum flavor.

Layer your garlic, onion, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker. This not only flavors the chicken but also creates a natural rack for it to sit on, ensuring even cooking.

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the veggies, breast side up. Lay lemon slices over the chicken—they add a wonderful fresh aroma as they cook. Finally, pour chicken broth around the chicken, which will keep everything juicy.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and juices run clear. Once done, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This rest period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work.
Herb-infused: Delicate flavors of thyme and rosemary permeate the chicken.
Minimal prep: Just a few simple steps to get everything ready.
Healthy and hearty: Packed with veggies and lean protein.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp dried thyme

1 tbsp dried rosemary

1 tbsp paprika

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, quartered

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 lemon, sliced

1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Rub olive oil over the entire chicken.

3. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.

4. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover all areas evenly.

5. Place garlic, onion, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker.

6. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.

7. Add lemon slices on top of the chicken for added flavor.

8. Pour chicken broth around the chicken in the slow cooker.

9. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

10. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

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