Traditional Slow Cooker Chicken

Name: Traditional 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 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp rosemary; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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There's something timeless about a slow-cooked meal that fills the house with an inviting aroma. This Traditional Slow Cooker Chicken is simple yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends.

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Ingredients for Traditional Slow Cooker Chicken

The star of this dish is obviously the chicken. Using a whole chicken not only keeps costs down but also ensures a variety of flavors and textures. The onion and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the chicken with a rich, savory depth. A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary adds warmth and complexity. A splash of chicken broth keeps everything moist and delicious, while a little olive oil helps achieve that beautiful golden crust when browning.

Tips & Tricks

If you're short on time, you can skip the browning step, but it does add a nice depth of flavor.
Check your slow cooker's instructions, as cooking times can vary slightly.
For extra flavor, stuff the chicken cavity with a quartered lemon or more herbs before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For an extra touch, drizzle some of the flavorful juices from the slow cooker over your sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?: Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Do I need to add more liquid?: No, the chicken will release juices as it cooks, which will combine with the broth to keep everything moist.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?: Absolutely! Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you may want to use a little less.

Traditional Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the spice rub sticks well. In a small bowl, mix together your salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover every nook and cranny.

Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your chicken in the skillet and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per side, and you'll know it's ready when the skin is a lovely golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture.

Now for the slow cooker magic. Place your sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the chicken. Carefully place your browned chicken on top, then pour the chicken broth over it. This liquid will keep the chicken moist as it cooks.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6-8 hours. You'll know it's done when the chicken is tender and cooked through. Once finished, remove the chicken and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This rest period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Minimal prep work with maximum flavor payoff.
Uses a whole chicken, making it budget-friendly.
Perfectly tender and juicy, thanks to the slow cooker magic.
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken

1 large onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp rosemary

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels.

2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.

3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.

6. Place the sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

7. Place the browned chicken on top of the onion and garlic.

8. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.

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

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

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