Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to nail that perfect slow cooker chicken without spending hours? I have! This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken recipe is about to become your new best mate.
This version uses lemon and herbs. This gives it a flavor that's both bright and comforting.
Slow Cooker Chicken: Your Effortless Roast Dinner
Slow Cooker Roast Chicken is basically a hands off roast dinner. I pinched this recipe from my Auntie Maureen. It is the ultimate Sunday comfort food.
It's dead easy to throw together, so even if you're rubbish in the kitchen, you can still nail this!
This recipe has origins from simple roast chicken preparations. But the beauty of the slow cooker simplifies things. It's super easy, taking about 20 minutes to prep and then cooks for 6- 8 hours on low.
It makes enough for 4-6 hungry bellies.
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
The best thing about this Crock Pot Chicken Recipe ? It's stupidly healthy. Chicken is packed with protein, great for building muscle and keeping you feeling full.
Serve it with some roasted veg for a complete, nutritious meal! This Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner is perfect for a cosy night in.
This recipe is special because it's proper simple. This Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken requires minimal effort, but delivers maximum flavor.
The chicken ends up fall off-the-bone tender. It is infused with the zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. The veggies cook underneath.
They soak up all those gorgeous juices. Let's get started, shall we?
Let's Talk Slow Cooker Chicken Ingredients & Gear
Ready to make some proper easy slow cooker chicken ? I am so excited about this recipe, it's like a hug in a bowl.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a good slow cooker chicken dinner ? Here's what you need to get started. Don't worry, it's all pretty basic stuff.
Main Ingredients for your Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.4-1.8 kg ), giblets removed. Look for a chicken that's plump and has a nice, even color.
1 lemon, halved. A juicy lemon is the key. Give it a squeeze before you halve it.
1 tbsp olive oil ( 15 ml ). Extra virgin is best, but any kind will do.
1 tbsp dried rosemary ( 2g ). Fresh is great too. Just triple the amount.
1 tbsp dried thyme ( 2g ). The perfect partner for rosemary.
1 tsp garlic powder ( 2g ). I love garlic!
1 tsp onion powder ( 2g ). Adds a subtle sweetness.
1/2 tsp paprika ( 1g ). Adds a touch of smokiness.
Salt and pepper. To taste. Don't be shy.
1 medium onion, quartered. Any onion will work.
2 carrots, roughly chopped. Adds sweetness and color.
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped. For that classic roast chicken flavour.
1 cup chicken broth ( 240 ml ). Low sodium is always a good shout.
Seasoning notes for an Epic Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
Rosemary and thyme are a classic combo. Like, they’re basically the Ant and Dec of the herb world. Garlic and onion powder are your base.
Paprika adds a bit of warmth. The lemon gives this slow cooker lemon herb chicken a real lift. If you’re feeling adventurous, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick!
Essential Equipment to Nail this Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger). A slow cooker whole chicken needs space. If you don’t have a slow cooker, this will not work .
- Small bowl. For mixing the herbs.
- Kitchen twine (optional, for trussing). Honestly, I usually skip this. It looks pretty, but it’s not essential.
- Meat thermometer. The only way to know if your chicken is cooked through. It should reach 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
See? Nothing too scary. Get your ingredients prepped, and let's get cooking some slow cooker roast chicken ! Even if you don't manage to make perfect slow cooker chicken thighs or slow cooker chicken breast , it will still be delicious!
Alright, let's get cracking! Slow cooker chicken , eh? Perfect for a Sunday roast vibe without all the fuss. Think Sunday dinner at your nan's, but you get to watch the telly instead of slaving over the stove.
Here’s how to get that perfect slow cooker chicken .
Nailing the Prep for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken
First, mise en place, yeah? Get everything ready. That means chopping veggies and mixing your herbs. This saves you time later.
Trust me, been there, nearly burnt the garlic 'cause I wasn't prepped! Oh my gosh! So frustrating, right? Next, remove the giblets from the chicken.
Then, pat the whole bird dry with paper towels. Safety first, wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
Crock Pot Chicken Recipe : step-by-step Glory
- Herb Rub Magic: Mix 1 tbsp olive oil with 1 tbsp dried rosemary , 1 tbsp dried thyme , 1 tsp garlic powder , 1 tsp onion powder , ½ tsp paprika , salt, and pepper.
- Season Like a Pro: Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Lemon Stuffing: Shove one lemon half into the chicken cavity. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
- Veggies First: Layer quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery in the slow cooker.
- Chicken on the Throne: Place the chicken on top of the veggies.
- Broth Bath: Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the bottom of the pot.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The temp in the thigh is key. You want 165° F ( 74° C)
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10- 15 minutes before carving. Seriously, don't skip this step.
Pro Tips for the Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Win
Want that slow cooker roast chicken flavour? First, pat the chicken dry; it helps the skin. A little crisp goes a long way.
Another pro tip: use a meat thermometer! It is really important to make sure your bird is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, no shortcuts! Honestly, the biggest mistake? Overcooking it.
And, for a lazy Sunday, you can prep the herb rub the night before. Just saying! For a variant, try the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken for a refreshing twist, or explore Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipes for different cuts.
And that's how you can master a flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables without losing your mind. It's all about the simple things done right. Enjoy.
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken
Right, so you’re about to make some easy slow cooker chicken . Ace! But before you do, let's chat through a few bits and bobs that’ll make your life easier.
Honestly, these tips are game changers. Trust me, I've been there.
Serving Suggestions: Let’s Get This on the Plate
Plating can be simple. Don't overthink it. A few sprigs of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation. Serve your slow cooker chicken dinner family style, right from the slow cooker .
Think about pairing your slow cooker roast chicken with classic sides. Mashed potatoes are always a winner. Green beans, roasted asparagus, or even a simple salad work wonders.
And, of course, don't forget the bread. You'll need it to mop up those amazing pan juices! A nice glass of crisp white wine or even a pint of your favourite ale is the perfect beverage pairing.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? No worries. Once cooled, store your slow cooker chicken with vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
I usually shred the chicken before storing it, makes it easier to grab for sandwiches later!
Freezing works too. Just make sure the chicken is properly cooled. Package it in freezer bags or containers. It'll keep for about two to three months.
Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
Reheating is easy. Just pop it in the oven or microwave until it's piping hot. For the best results, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Make sure that reaches a safe internal temperature of 165° F .
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!
Want to try something different? You can totally play around with this crock pot chicken recipe . Feeling spicy? Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the herb rub.
Want a more Mediterranean flavour? Swap the rosemary and thyme for oregano and basil. A splash of white wine vinegar in the broth is amazing too.
I once even tried adding a bit of harissa paste and it was lovely.
Need a dietary adaptation? This perfect slow cooker chicken recipe is pretty versatile. Use bone broth for a lower carb option.
You can also swap the standard carrots for some sweeter root vegetables like parsnips to change the dynamic of flavour.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, so let's keep this simple. Each serving of this slow cooker lemon herb chicken is roughly 350 calories. You're getting a whopping 40g of protein, 18g of fat, and only about 5g of carbs.
Chicken is packed with protein. That's great for muscles and keeps you feeling full. Plus, the herbs add antioxidants, which are good for overall health.
Remember, these are just estimates. It all depends on your portion size and specific ingredients.
So there you have it. My notes to help you nail the perfect slow cooker chicken . Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker? Sounds like a bit of a tall tale!
Absolutely, mate! Slow cooker chicken is a real thing, and it's brilliant. The low and slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, almost falling off the bone. It's a fantastic, hands off way to get that Sunday roast chicken vibe without all the graft.
How do I stop my slow cooker chicken from being soggy? No one wants a flabby bird!
The biggest tip for avoiding a soggy chicken is to pat it completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin to crisp up a little in the slow cooker. Don't add too much liquid to the slow cooker just enough to create steam and prevent burning; about one cup of broth usually does the trick.
For a bit of extra crispiness, you can pop the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking, but keep a close eye on it like you would when toasting bread!
What temperature should my slow cooker chicken be? Don't want to give anyone the dodgy tummy!
Safety first! The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check it's the only way to be sure it's cooked through. Nobody wants a bout of Delhi Belly from undercooked chicken!
Can I adapt this recipe for different dietary needs, like making it suitable for a low-carb diet? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you see.
You bet! To make this slow cooker chicken recipe lower in carbs, simply swap out the chicken broth for bone broth, which is naturally lower in carbohydrates. Ensure the herbs and spices you use are also carb free.
Serve it with non-starchy vegetables like roasted green beans or cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes, and you've got a tasty, keto friendly meal.
How long can I store leftover slow cooker chicken, and what's the best way to reheat it? Waste not, want not, eh?
Leftover slow cooker chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (though this can sometimes dry it out), or warm it gently in a pan with a little chicken broth to keep it moist.
You can also shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches, salads, or soups it's super versatile!
My slow cooker chicken always tastes a bit bland, how can I boost the flavour? I'm after that 'wow' factor.
To amp up the flavour, try adding a little bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the broth for extra umami. Don't be shy with the herbs and spices a generous coating makes a huge difference.
You can also experiment with different flavour combinations a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky kick, or some chili flakes for heat. And remember, the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker infuse their flavour into the chicken, so don't skip them!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
