Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

If you’re looking for a simple, hands-off way to make a juicy, tender, and flavorful rotisserie-style chicken at home, then this Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken is the answer! Picture this: a perfectly seasoned whole chicken that practically falls apart with the touch of a fork, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your house to enjoy that golden, crispy skin and mouthwatering flavors you’d typically get from a rotisserie shop. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s everything you want in a chicken recipe.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

Effortless Cooking

The beauty of this recipe is how little you have to do. Toss your chicken and a few seasonings into the slow cooker, set it, forget it, and let the slow cooking magic happen. It’s that simple!

Tender and Juicy Every Time

Slow cooking creates the perfect environment for your chicken to stay juicy, tender, and flavorful. The longer cook time breaks down the fibers, resulting in meat that’s melt-in-your-mouth good.

All the Rotisserie Flavor

This chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that mimic that delicious rotisserie flavor we all love. Think garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon—your taste buds are in for a treat.

Versatile

You can use this chicken in a variety of dishes, from salads and tacos to soups and sandwiches. And if you happen to have leftovers, this chicken makes the perfect base for all kinds of recipes. Bonus: It’s great for meal prep!

No Oven, No Fuss

Say goodbye to worrying about getting the skin crispy in the oven! The slow cooker does all the work, and you don’t have to monitor it constantly. Plus, it doesn’t heat up your kitchen, so it’s ideal for warmer days or when you just want to relax.

Ingredients

• Whole Chicken: The star of the show. Go for a 3-5 pound whole chicken for the best result.
• Garlic Powder: Adds that classic savory flavor that’s essential for rotisserie chicken.
• Paprika: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden color and a subtle smokiness.
• Onion Powder: A must-have for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Thyme: A great herb that adds earthiness and depth to the chicken.
• Rosemary: Pairs beautifully with thyme for that classic rotisserie herb combo.
• Lemon: A halved lemon adds freshness and a bit of brightness to the flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the chicken, allowing the spices to adhere while also adding richness.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, to bring out all those lovely flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 240mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes

Instructions

Making your own rotisserie chicken at home has never been easier. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy and ensures that the seasoning sticks.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, making sure to coat it evenly. Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper all over the chicken, making sure it’s well-seasoned on every side. Don’t forget to stuff the cavity with the halved lemon for added flavor!

Step 3: Add to the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. You don’t need to add any liquid—the chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, making for an incredibly moist bird.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a handy tool here to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Optional – Crisp the Skin (If Desired)

If you prefer a crispy skin, you can pop the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes once it’s done cooking. Just transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil until the skin crisps up to your liking. This step is optional, but it adds an extra touch of texture!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. Enjoy it on its own, or use it in your favorite dishes like salads, tacos, or sandwiches!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

As a Main Dish

Serve the chicken as a hearty main dish, accompanied by your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. It’s filling and flavorful enough to stand on its own!

In Tacos or Wraps

Shred the chicken and serve it in tacos or wraps with your favorite toppings, like avocado, sour cream, lettuce, or salsa. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

On a Salad

Shred the chicken and toss it on top of a fresh salad for a light yet filling meal. It pairs wonderfully with a tangy vinaigrette and some crumbled feta or goat cheese.

In Sandwiches or Sliders

Use the shredded chicken to make delicious sandwiches or sliders. Add some crunchy pickles, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips

Use a Larger Slow Cooker for Bigger Chickens

If you have a larger chicken, make sure your slow cooker is big enough to fit it. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for a 4-5 pound bird. If your chicken is too big, it might not cook evenly.

Spice it Up

Feel free to get creative with the seasoning! You can add a little cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even some garlic and onion powder for extra flavor. Just adjust to your taste.

Save the Juices

Don’t throw away the juices left in the slow cooker! They’re packed with flavor and make a great base for soups or gravies. You can also use them to flavor rice or mashed potatoes.

Use Leftovers

The beauty of rotisserie chicken is that there’s always plenty left over! Shred the remaining meat and use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or soups. You can even make chicken salad or chicken pasta with leftovers.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken in the slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking, so make sure to thaw the chicken beforehand.

Q2: Can I cook the chicken on high in the slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours, but cooking on low will result in more tender, juicy meat. For the best results, slow and steady is the way to go!

Q3: Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
A3: No, you don’t need to add any liquid. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Q4: Can I cook this chicken in the oven instead?
A4: Absolutely! If you prefer to use the oven, roast the chicken at 425°F for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q5: Can I cook a larger chicken?
A5: Yes, you can cook a larger chicken, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate it. If you’re cooking a bird over 5 pounds, you might need to adjust the cooking time.

Q6: How can I make the skin crispy?
A6: If you want crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy.

Q7: Can I stuff the chicken with herbs or vegetables?
A7: Yes, feel free to stuff the chicken with herbs, garlic, or vegetables. Just make sure the cavity is not too packed, as this can affect the cooking time.

Q8: Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead?
A8: While a whole chicken gives the best results for this recipe, you can use chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. The cooking time will be shorter, so be sure to monitor them closely.

Q9: How should I store leftover chicken?
A9: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the meat for up to 3 months.

Q10: Can I use this chicken in recipes?
A10: Yes! The cooked chicken is perfect for use in recipes like chicken salad, chicken tacos, soups, sandwiches, and more. It’s versatile and can be used in many dishes.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Whether you’re using it for dinner tonight or prepping for a week of delicious meals, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and, most importantly, packed with all the comfort and goodness you crave. Enjoy!

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