Effortless Elegance: Slow Cooker Garlic Rosemary Whole Chicken Recipe
Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of perfectly roasted chicken, infused with the comforting scents of garlic and rosemary. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality you can create with this incredibly simple and delicious slow cooker garlic rosemary whole chicken recipe. Forget about complicated oven roasting and babysitting; the slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
This recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with your favorite sides, use the shredded chicken in various dishes throughout the week, and even use the bones to make a rich and flavorful broth. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary masterpiece!
## Why Slow Cook a Whole Chicken?
You might be wondering why you should bother slow cooking a whole chicken when you could just roast it in the oven. Here are a few compelling reasons:
* **Effortless and Hands-Off:** The slow cooker requires minimal effort and attention. Simply prep the ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. No need to baste or monitor the temperature constantly.
* **Incredibly Tender and Juicy:** The slow cooking process allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in meat that’s incredibly tender and juicy. The moisture is trapped inside, preventing the chicken from drying out.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The slow cooker allows the flavors of the garlic, rosemary, and other seasonings to meld together and penetrate the chicken, creating a deeper and more complex flavor profile.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** A whole slow-cooked chicken is perfect for meal prepping. You can shred the chicken and use it in salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos, and more.
* **Cost-Effective:** Cooking a whole chicken is often more cost-effective than buying individual chicken pieces.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple and readily available ingredients:
* **1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds):** Choose a chicken that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. Remove any giblets from the cavity.
* **1 head of garlic:** You’ll need the entire head of garlic, not just a few cloves. The more garlic, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
* **2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary:** Fresh rosemary is essential for that aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary, but use about half the amount.
* **1 lemon (optional):** A lemon adds a touch of brightness and acidity to the chicken. You can use the zest and juice, or simply cut the lemon into wedges and place it in the cavity of the chicken.
* **1 onion (optional):** Quartered onion adds a depth of flavor to the chicken and the resulting broth.
* **2 carrots (optional):** Roughly chopped carrots add sweetness and nutrients to the dish.
* **2 celery stalks (optional):** Roughly chopped celery stalks adds a savory note.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Olive oil helps to brown the chicken slightly and adds flavor.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional):** Paprika adds color and a smoky flavor.
* **1/4 cup chicken broth (or water):** A small amount of liquid is needed to create steam and prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger):** Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the whole chicken.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and herbs.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables and herbs.
* **Measuring Spoons:** For measuring spices.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious slow cooker garlic rosemary whole chicken:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
* Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the skin to brown slightly.
* Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken. You can discard them or save them to make broth.
* If desired, trim any excess fat from around the cavity opening.
**Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Rosemary**
* Smash the head of garlic with the side of a knife to loosen the cloves. You don’t need to peel the cloves individually.
* Roughly chop the rosemary sprigs.
**Step 3: Prepare the Optional Vegetables**
* If using, quarter the onion, chop the carrots, and chop the celery stalks.
**Step 4: Season the Chicken**
* In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
* Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, inside and out.
* Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and paprika mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
**Step 5: Stuff the Chicken (Optional)**
* If using, place the lemon wedges, half of the garlic cloves, and half of the rosemary sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
**Step 6: Prepare the Slow Cooker**
* Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery stalks (if using) in the bottom of the slow cooker.
* Add the remaining garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs on top of the vegetables.
**Step 7: Place the Chicken in the Slow Cooker**
* Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is not touching the sides of the slow cooker as much as possible. If needed, you can prop the chicken up with a few pieces of onion or carrot.
**Step 8: Add Liquid**
* Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create steam and prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom.
**Step 9: Cook the Chicken**
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
**Step 10: Rest the Chicken**
* Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs. Place the chicken on a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
**Step 11: Carve and Serve**
* Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides.
## Tips and Variations
* **For Crispier Skin:** While the slow cooker is excellent for creating tender and juicy chicken, it doesn’t always produce crispy skin. If you prefer crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after it’s cooked in the slow cooker. Simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Add Other Herbs and Spices:** Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some good options include thyme, oregano, sage, and smoked paprika.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** You can also add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.
* **Make Gravy:** After the chicken is cooked, you can use the juices from the slow cooker to make a delicious gravy. Simply strain the juices and simmer them in a saucepan over medium heat. Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) or a roux (equal parts butter and flour).
* **Add Wine:** For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of white wine to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a touch of heat.
* **Browning the Chicken First:** While not strictly necessary, browning the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker will add another layer of flavor and improve the appearance of the final dish. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
* **Use a Slow Cooker Liner:** To make cleanup even easier, use a slow cooker liner. These disposable liners fit inside the slow cooker and prevent food from sticking.
## Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker garlic rosemary whole chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus, are a classic pairing with roasted chicken.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Rice:** Rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice, is a simple and satisfying side dish.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and protein-rich alternative to rice.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad, such as a garden salad or a Caesar salad, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Bread:** Serve the chicken with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans are a simple and healthy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with roasted chicken.
## Storing Leftovers
Leftover slow cooker garlic rosemary whole chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Shred the chicken and store it in an airtight container. You can use the shredded chicken in salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos, and more.
You can also freeze leftover chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
## Reheating Leftovers
There are several ways to reheat leftover slow cooker garlic rosemary whole chicken:
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave on medium power until heated through.
* **Oven:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
* **Slow Cooker:** You can even reheat the chicken in the slow cooker on low for a few hours.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific ingredients used. However, here is an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings):
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 1-3g
## Conclusion
This slow cooker garlic rosemary whole chicken recipe is a simple, delicious, and versatile way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, give it a try and experience the effortless elegance of slow cooking!
Enjoy!