Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
This chicken is so tender that when I tried to pick it up to photograph it, it LITERALLY fell apart! It was so tender that I didnt even have to cut the breast away from the bone, it just fell away from it!
This chicken is so tender that when I tried to pick it up to photograph it, it LITERALLY fell apart! It was so tender that I didnt even have to cut the breast away from the bone, it just fell away from it!
- Carbohydrate 17.69016 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 7.37956 g
- Fiber 4.66840012264252 g
- Protein 3.0364 g
- Saturated Fat 1.070376 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (131g)
- Sodium 1170.765 mg
- Sugar 13.0217598773575 g
- Trans Fat 0.296345999999999 g
- Calories 137 calories
Step-by-step
- If you are working with a thawed chicken, you will want to make sure you remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and pat it dry before putting it in the crock pot. If you are working with a frozen chicken you are going to want to look for a chicken that doesnt have the giblet bag in it. If you cant, no big deal. A little giblet bag and neck never hurt anyone.
- Place 4 golf ball sized aluminum balls in the bottom in the bottom of the crock pot.
- If working with a thawed chicken, cut an onion in half and place in the cavity.
- Place the chicken on top of the aluminum balls in the crock pot and drizzle with the oil.
- Rub the oil all over the body of the chicken.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the paprika, seasoning salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix it all together.
- LIBERALLY season the chicken, making sure to get under the wings and in every crevice of the bird.
- Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. If you are working from frozen you will need to cook it on LOW for 8-10 hours.
- Baste with pan juices and serve.
My Unexpectedly Easy Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" I crave simple, delicious meals that don't require hours of slaving over a hot stove. That's where my newfound love for crock pot cooking comes in. I've always admired the perfectly browned, juicy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, but the price tag always made me pause. Then, I discovered the magic of making my own rotisserie-style chicken in the slow cooker, and let me tell you, it's a game changer.
This recipe is unbelievably easy. Seriously, I'm talking minimal prep time and maximum flavor. The best part? The chicken comes out so incredibly tender, it practically falls off the bone. I remember the first time I made this, trying to photograph the finished product was a challenge because it was so succulent, it disintegrated as I tried to lift it! It's the kind of meal that makes even the pickiest eaters happy. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, or even a casual weekend gathering. The leftovers are also fantastic; I love using the shredded chicken for salads, tacos, or even just a quick chicken sandwich.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the blend of simple seasonings that elevates the humble chicken to extraordinary heights. The paprika adds a smoky depth, the garlic and onion powders provide a savory base, and a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick that's not overpowering. The key is to generously season the chicken, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in the flavorful rub. I recommend using a whole chicken – it makes for a satisfying meal and there are plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. And the beauty of it all? You just throw everything in the crock pot, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with all those delicious spices.
I often find myself adapting this recipe to suit my mood and what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a little lemon juice for extra brightness, or a few sprigs of rosemary for an herby twist. The possibilities are endless! It's become a go-to recipe in my household, a culinary comfort blanket that always delivers. It's so easy, it's become a regular part of our meal rotation. So, if you're looking for a simple, delicious, and effortless weeknight dinner, this crock pot rotisserie chicken is the answer.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe offers significant value for money. A whole chicken is generally more affordable than buying pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. And with the abundance of leftovers, this one meal can stretch across several days, providing convenient and healthy lunches for the whole family. This is a win-win situation for any busy individual or family looking for a healthy and budget-friendly meal solution.
Tips and Variations:
- Frozen Chicken: Feel free to use a frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time accordingly (8-10 hours on low).
- Alternative Fats: Instead of olive oil, you can use unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a spicier chicken, add more. For a milder version, reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
- Add Vegetables: For an even more complete meal, add some chopped carrots, potatoes, or other root vegetables to the crock pot along with the chicken.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the spice rub for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this simple yet satisfying crock pot rotisserie chicken recipe! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!
