Traditional Slow-Cooked Herb Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, this Traditional Slow-Cooked Herb Chicken is the answer. With fragrant herbs and hearty vegetables, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a stress-free weekend meal.

Ingredients for Traditional Slow-Cooked Herb Chicken

Whole chicken is the star of the show, providing juicy meat that absorbs all the wonderful flavors. Olive oil helps the seasonings stick and gives the skin a nice texture. The combination of salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage adds depth and an earthy, aromatic quality to the dish. Onion and garlic are classic flavor enhancers, infusing the broth with sweetness and warmth. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful as it slowly breaks down. Carrots and celery bring a bit of sweetness and texture, while lemon slices add a refreshing brightness to balance the rich flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crisp skin, consider broiling the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for a more vibrant flavor.
  • To save time, prep the vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken at the 6-hour mark to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This succulent chicken pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a light, fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with some crusty bread to sop up the delicious juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but keep in mind that breasts might cook faster and could become dry if overcooked.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Absolutely! Just cut them into chunks and add them with the other vegetables.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used. Just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Traditional Slow-Cooked Herb Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, you'll want to start by prepping the chicken. Pat it dry with paper towels; this helps the skin crisp up a bit, even in a slow cooker. Once it's dry, rub the chicken all over with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Make sure you’re getting into all those nooks and crannies for the best flavor.

Next, layer the onion slices at the bottom of your slow cooker. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken from sticking to the bottom. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions, setting the stage for a rich, aromatic base.

Now, gently place your seasoned chicken into the slow cooker on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. This liquid gold will keep everything moist and help cook the chicken evenly.

Time to add some veggies! Scatter the chopped carrots and celery around the chicken, and lay the lemon slices on top. The veggies will soak up all the wonderful flavors as they cook.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. Before serving, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a juicier bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Set-it-and-forget-it convenience — perfect for busy days.
  • Rich in flavor with minimal effort required.
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home.
  • Produces tender, juicy chicken every time.
  • Fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried sage
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 lemon, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
3. Place the onion slices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add minced garlic over the onions.
5. Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker.
6. Pour chicken broth around the chicken.
7. Add the carrots, celery, and lemon slices on top.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
9. Before serving, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes.

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