Description
This Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a homemade spice rub. The chicken is cooked low and slow in the crockpot to lock in moisture and infused with aromatic lemon, garlic, and onion. For a crispy finish, a quick broil in the oven creates a golden skin, making it perfect for a comforting, hands-off family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 pounds), giblets removed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Stuffing
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chili powder if using. Mix well to create an even spice blend.
- Season the chicken: Rub olive oil evenly all over the chicken’s skin. Generously coat the entire chicken with the spice mixture, making sure to cover all sides thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the chicken: Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion inside the chicken cavity to infuse aromatic flavors during cooking.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Make a base in the bottom of the slow cooker by shaping 3–4 balls of aluminum foil or using a rack. This keeps the chicken elevated to prevent it from sitting in its juices.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken on the foil balls or rack inside the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe.
- Broil for crispy skin: For a crispier skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after broiling to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other seasonings like rosemary or smoked paprika for extra flavor complexity.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, omit the onion inside the cavity.
- Leftover chicken is excellent for salads, sandwiches, or soups, making great use of any extras.
