If you’ve been craving that perfectly seasoned, juicy rotisserie chicken but want to skip the wait and hassle of a whole rotisserie setup, this Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s wonderfully hands-off, packing big flavor with simple ingredients that create that classic rotisserie taste, all while coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend relaxed chef, this recipe guarantees tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken every single time, with minimal effort and a delicious aroma that fills your home with comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful seasoning. Each ingredient works together to create depth of flavor, moisture, and that signature golden brown look that makes rotisserie chicken so irresistible.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds): The star of the show, providing juicy, tender meat when cooked low and slow.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a beautifully crisp skin when broiled.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the skin.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that marries perfectly with poultry.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers an earthy aroma that compliments the other spices.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Stuffed inside to keep the meat juicy and impart a fresh citrus note.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed: For aromatic sweetness that seeps into the chicken’s core.
- 1 onion, quartered: Nestled inside and under the chicken too, boosting flavor and elevating the bird for even cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the whole chicken dry with paper towels; this essential step helps ensure crispy skin later on. Next, rub the olive oil generously all over the chicken’s surface to create a luscious base for the seasoning.
Step 2: Season Generously
Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Sprinkle and rub this beautiful blend evenly all over the chicken, making sure every inch is covered to build layers of flavor that will soak in during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully stuff the cavity with the quartered lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and onion quarters. This aromatic bundle infuses the chicken from the inside out, keeping the meat tender and adding that irresistible fresh and savory essence.
Step 4: Elevate and Cook
To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t sit in its juices, place four balls of aluminum foil or thick onion rounds in the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the seasoned chicken breast-side up on top of this makeshift rack. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches a safe and juicy 165°F.
Step 5: Crisp the Skin
If you love that classic crispy skin like from a rotisserie, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it crisps up perfectly without burning. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after broiling to lock in all those juices before carving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe truly shine, garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and aroma. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides – think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a more vibrant meal, try some garlic butter rice or warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy or meal prepping? Serve shredded Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe meat over warm tortillas with avocado, salsa, and cheese for quick tacos. Another delightful idea is turning leftovers into a comforting chicken pot pie or layering slices over a grain bowl for a wholesome lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and juicy for 3 to 4 days, making for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked leftover chicken as well. Shred or chop the meat and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months, making it super convenient to thaw and use whenever you need a protein boost.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking since this can dry it out – aiming for just heated through to enjoy juicy, tender meat once again.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen chicken for this Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe?
It’s best to start with a fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and that safe internal temperature is reached. Using frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking and longer cook times.
What if I don’t have dried rosemary or thyme?
No worries! You can substitute with other dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning, or use fresh herbs if you have them on hand to keep the flavors fresh and aromatic.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest and most effective way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips can be added around the chicken to cook simultaneously, absorbing all those amazing juices.
Is it okay to cook the chicken on high instead of low?
Yes, cooking on high for 4 to 5 hours works well if you’re short on time, but slow cooking on low is ideal for tender, deeply flavored meat.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe truly brings convenience, flavor, and comfort all together in one heartfelt meal. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this luscious, home-cooked favorite that practically makes itself. So grab your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to this juicy, aromatic delight—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with the convenience of slow cooking. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and cooked low and slow, this dish mimics the classic rotisserie chicken taste without needing a rotisserie. Perfect for a hands-off main course, it’s ideal for family dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Stuffing
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
Additional
- 4 balls of aluminum foil or thickly sliced onion rounds (for elevating the chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better texture in cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Rub olive oil all over the chicken to help the seasonings stick and enhance browning. Generously season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, ensuring you cover all surfaces.
- Stuff the Cavity: Place the lemon quarters, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion inside the chicken cavity to infuse the meat with aromatic flavor during cooking.
- Set Up Slow Cooker: Place four balls of aluminum foil or thick onion rounds in the bottom of the slow cooker; this elevates the chicken so heat can circulate evenly beneath it, preventing sogginess.
- Cook the Chicken: Position the chicken breast-side up on top of the foil or onion balls. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, signaling the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Optional Crisping: For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute before carving for the best moisture and tenderness.
Notes
- Reserve the cooking juices collected in the slow cooker to make a quick and flavorful gravy or sauce.
- Leftover chicken works wonderfully for making sandwiches, adding to salads, or incorporating into hearty soups.
