Imagine a holiday main course that fills your kitchen with the most enchanting aromas of orange, cinnamon, and perfectly tender chicken - this Slow Cooker Christmas Chicken is about to become your new festive tradition! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms an ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests wondering how you created such a magical dish. Prepare to elevate your holiday meal with this incredibly easy yet impressive recipe that proves gourmet cooking can be effortless.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Christmas
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Zest the orange using a microplane or zester, then cut the orange in half and juice it. Set both the zest and juice aside for later use.
- Take the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, making sure to season both the inside and outside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil (optional) and sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, pour in the milk and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will enhance the flavor of the milk. Once combined, pour the milk mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add the orange juice and zest to the slow cooker, followed by the two cinnamon sticks. These will infuse the chicken with a warm, festive flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. The low and slow cooking method will ensure the chicken becomes tender and infused with the flavors of milk, orange, and cinnamon.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C). If it's done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
- While the chicken is resting, you can strain the cooking liquid if you prefer a smoother sauce. Pour the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat to reduce slightly, if desired.
- Once rested, carve the chicken and serve it on a platter. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the chicken for added moisture and flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a festive touch.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Christmas Chicken in Milk with Orange Cinnamon Savory with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes!
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden skin and better flavor absorption.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor development.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the most vibrant citrus notes.
- Choose whole milk for a richer, creamier cooking liquid.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 6-hour slow cook is crucial for tender, fall-apart meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary aren't just garnish - they add an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- If the sauce is too thin, reduce it on the stovetop for a more concentrated flavor.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
