Stress less and enjoy more—all while the Crock-Pot does the work!
Invented in the late 1930s, the slow cooker (which became known as the Crock-Pot in the 1970s) has been rocking our culinary world ever since. What busy stay-at-home mom or workaholic student wouldn’t love taking only ten minutes in the morning to prep dinner, only for it to be ready later that afternoon? This slow-cooking process isn’t just convenient; it’s deeply meaningful for those of us seeking to spend more time with our loved ones. And that may have been the intention that the Crock-Pot’s inventor, Irving Naxon, had when he used it to cook cholent, a classic Sabbath stew eaten by Eastern European Jews. Since the Sabbath is a traditional day of rest and worship, the Crock-Pot probably gave busy mothers an opportunity to spend more time with their families while still ensuring a classically delicious dinner.
In this recipe, the focus is the bird… and what a big, beautiful bird it is! Full of flavor and tender, juicy meat that goes a long way. For such a simple, straightforward recipe, you sure can serve it in lots of different ways, whether with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or something more unique like Zucchini Noodles. Whether it’s a day of rest or a night of celebration, your whole house will be filled with succulent scents and good vibes thanks to this easy-peasy, delectable dish.
Is Whole Chicken in Crock-Pot Healthy?
This is probably one of the healthiest ways to cook a whole chicken. The recipe doesn’t call for extra oils or other fats. Plus, chicken itself is a lean meat, and when it’s local and organic, it’s even more high-quality. Providing a good amount of protein, this dish can be complemented by a wide array of different sides that bring even more nutrients to the table. Overall, this recipe is far healthier than the pre-cooked processed chicken you might find in a grocery store’s frozen section.
What if You add Veggies, Stock, Or Water?
You are more than welcome to add your favorite vegetables (like broccoli, mini-carrots, or potatoes) to the pot, but keep in mind this will require at least one cup of broth or water to steam them properly. While the chicken by itself doesn’t need liquid, some prefer to add it for extra flavor and moisture. It’s one of the best ways to ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out, in case you end up keeping it in the pot for longer than 4 hours.
How to make ahead and store
Once the chicken has been cooked and is cool enough to handle, leftovers should be removed from the bone and refrigerated within 2 hours. Stored in an airtight container, they will keep for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Frozen chicken should be thawed overnight and reheated in the oven at 350°F for approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Serving Suggestions
What doesn’t this chicken go well with?
Whether it’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Toast, or Roasted Garlic Cauliflower, those crispy little cloves make an excellent flavor for any meal. Go garlic or go home!
For a fresh and green side that also doesn’t disappoint, try Asian-inspired Snow Peas!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds, giblets removed
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large onion quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by removing any giblets, and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, including inside the cavity. Place the quartered onion and garlic cloves inside the cavity.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the Crock-Pot. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the Crock-Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment