Imagine sinking your teeth into a succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken that's so tender it practically falls off the bone - and you can achieve this culinary magic right in your slow cooker! Our Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken recipe transforms an ordinary whole chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend meal prep enthusiast, this foolproof method will revolutionize your dinner routine and have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning adherence.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant spice rub.
- Carefully massage the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat the entire surface, including under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor penetration.
- Prepare your slow cooker by creating a base of rolled aluminum foil balls or placing a wire rack at the bottom to elevate the chicken and allow better heat circulation.
- Gently place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker, ensuring it sits comfortably without touching the sides.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 6-7 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot with your favorite sides, enjoying the tender, flavorful meat.
Tips
- Always pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure the spice rub adheres perfectly and helps create a deliciously crisp exterior.
- For extra flavor, consider letting the seasoned chicken sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal doneness.
- The aluminum foil balls or wire rack trick is crucial - it prevents the chicken from sitting in its own juices and promotes more even cooking.
- If you want crispy skin, don't skip the optional broiler step. Just watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Save the leftover chicken juices in the slow cooker for making gravy or adding to soups - they're packed with incredible flavor!
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - use the chicken in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
