Lemon-Infused Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: A Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delight!

I am so excited to share this amazing slow cooker whole chicken with lemon recipe with you! I’ve been using this recipe for years now and each time I make it, my family can’t get enough. The chicken is so tender and juicy, and the lemon adds a delicious citrusy flavor that is perfect for any occasion! Plus, the slow cooker makes it so easy to prepare – all you have to do is throw everything in the pot and let it cook! I promise this delicious dish will be a hit at your next family gathering.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Lemon Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Instructions

• Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients you need, including a 4-5 pound whole chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
• Once you have all the ingredients, preheat your slow cooker on high.
• Meanwhile, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and salt in a bowl to create a rub.
• Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it all over the skin.
• Place the chicken in the slow cooker, and pour in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook for 4-5 hours on high heat or 8-10 hours on low heat.
• After the allotted cooking time, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy your delicious slow cooked whole chicken with lemon!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 135
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g

What is the advantage of slow-cooking a whole chicken?

When it comes to cooking a delicious and tender whole chicken, few methods can compare to slow cooking. Slow cooking a whole chicken is the ideal way to get perfectly cooked and succulent poultry that melts in your mouth. There are several advantages to slow cooking a whole chicken, including juicy and flavorful meat, convenience and ease of preparation, and economical use of time and energy.

Slow cooking a whole chicken allows the meat to gently simmer in its own juices and other flavorful ingredients, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly throughout and prevents it from drying out. And with this method, the flavors from the herbs, spices, and liquids used to season the chicken penetrate the meat, which results in an incredibly flavorful dish.

Another great advantage of slow cooking a whole chicken is convenience and ease of preparation. All you have to do is season the chicken and pop it into the slow cooker. You don’t have to worry about monitoring the cooking time or temperature, as the slow cooking process does all the work for you.

Finally, slow cooking a whole chicken is an economical use of time and energy. Since the cooking process takes longer, you don’t have to spend as much time in the kitchen or use as much energy as you would with other cooking methods. Plus, you’ll end up with a delicious, juicy, and tender dish that everyone will love.

When it comes to cooking a delicious and tender whole chicken, slow cooking is the way to go. Not only does it yield juicy and flavorful meat, it’s also convenient and economical.

What are some tips and tricks for perfect slow-cooker chicken every time?

Start with the right size. For the best results, use a 6-quart slow cooker for a 4 to 5-pound chicken.

• Add the right amount of liquid. The key to juicy slow-cooked chicken is to add just enough liquid to the slow cooker. You can use broth, wine, or beer.
• Avoid overcooking. A 4-pound chicken typically takes 4 to 5 hours on high, while a 5-pound chicken takes 6 hours. To avoid overcooking, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature and make sure it reaches 165°F.
• Choose your seasoning. For slow cooked chicken, go simple with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice. Season the cavity of the chicken before cooking and add more flavor with a sauce or glaze at the end.
• Don’t forget the vegetables. Vegetables are a great addition to the slow cooker and help keep the chicken moist. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions work best.

What are the ingredients and tools needed to make this dish?

When it comes to making Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Lemon, there are only a few ingredients and tools you’ll need! To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a whole chicken, lemon, garlic, onion, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and a slow cooker. Start by prepping your ingredients: mince the garlic and onion and juice the lemon. To make sure that your chicken is cooked through, you’ll need a meat thermometer.

Once you’ve prepped your ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking. Place your whole chicken in the slow cooker and rub it with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and the minced garlic and onion. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and place the leftover lemon halves in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours.

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Use the meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F. And that’s it! With just a few ingredients and tools, you’ve now made a delicious Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Lemon.

How long does it take to slow-cook a whole chicken?

It only takes about 8 hours to slow-cook a whole chicken in your slow cooker! Just follow a few simple steps and you’ll have a delicious, juicy, and tender slow-cooked chicken in no time. With just a few ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs, you can have a flavorful and healthy meal that’s sure to please. Plus, it’s an easy way to get a healthy and nutritious meal on the table without spending a lot of time.

What flavors does the lemon add to the chicken?

When it comes to slow-cooked chicken, the addition of lemon can take the flavor to the next level! The bright citrusy flavor of the lemon adds a zesty zing to the savory chicken, creating a mouth-watering balance of tastes. The lemon also adds a subtle bitterness that helps to create a unique, complex flavor profile. Plus, the lemon adds a hint of acidity that helps to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. With the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy, the lemon really brings out the best of the chicken in this slow-cooker dish.

What side dishes pair well with slow-cooked whole chicken?

If you’re looking for the perfect side dishes to go with your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Lemon, you’re in luck! From roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful grains, there are plenty of options that pair perfectly with this fragrant and juicy dish.

For a comforting and classic accompaniment, try oven-roasted potatoes, carrots, and onions. Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots, cut the onion into wedges, and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place onto a large baking sheet and roast in a 425° oven for about 20 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender and golden.

Mashed potatoes are another delicious option. Simply peel and cube some potatoes, boil until tender, and mash with butter, warm cream, and salt and pepper. For a unique twist, try adding a bit of nutmeg and garlic powder to the mix.

If you’re looking for something lighter, try a flavorful grain such as quinoa or couscous. Cook according to package instructions and mix with a grilled vegetable medley, chopped fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice.

What other seasonings can you add to the chicken?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning a slow cooker whole chicken with lemon! You can use any combination of herbs and spices, depending on what flavors you’re in the mood for. Paprika, garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, thyme, chili powder, cumin, and sage are all great options for adding some depth and dimension to the dish. Adding a pinch of sugar to the seasoning mix can help to balance the acidity of the lemon, as well. For a touch of sweetness, try adding a bit of brown sugar or honey. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate some international flavors to the mix – cilantro, turmeric, curry, and ginger are all wonderful additions.