Slow Cooker Full Chicken Dinner Recipe
What is your favorite comfort food? The smell of roast chicken wafting through the house, the potatoes and carrots practically melting. What is the best way to bring warm fuzzy feelings without all the fuss? What is a slow cooker full chicken dinner recipe? Is it easier than pot roast? Why would you roasted a chicken any other way?
What is a slow cooker full chicken recipe?
Think of it as the ultimate one-pot (or, well, one slow cooker) meal. What is chicken, nestled in a bed of potatoes, carrots, onions, and all slow-cooked? To absolute perfection. The chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy, and the vegetables are infused with all those nutrients. What are some of the best chicken flavors What is the difference between a traditional roast chicken and an American chicken dinner? The name is pretty self-explanatory, right? What is a slow cooker chicken dinner?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First of all, the flavor is just incredible. The chicken is so moist and flavorful, and the veggies soak up all those delicious juices. What I love most about this Slow Cooker Full Chicken Dinner Recipe is how ridiculously easy it is. You literally just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. No basting, no temperature monitoring, no stress! It’s also incredibly cost-effective. A whole chicken is usually much cheaper than buying individual chicken pieces, and potatoes, carrots, and onions are pantry staples. Plus, you can customize it to your liking. Add different herbs, spices, or vegetables to create your own signature version. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And the leftovers? Amazing in chicken salad sandwiches, soups, or even just reheated for a quick lunch.
How do I make a slow cooker full chicken dinner?
Quick Overview
Is this easy? How do you prep your veggies, season your chicken, throw everything into the slow cooker, and then cook it all. What happens when you’re busy doing other things? What is the best way to cook in a slow cooker? What is a “set it and forget it” kind of meal?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Chicken:
How much chicken should I cook in a slow cooker?
Olive Oil: For drizzling over chicken and veggies.
Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky flavor and beautiful color.
What is better with garlic powder?
Onion Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
Dried Thyme: A classic herb that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Dried Rosemary: Adds a fragrant and earthy note.
Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For the Vegetables:
I like using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered.
Carrots: Peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
Onions: Quartere
Optional:
Celery: Adds a nice depth of flavor. Chop it into 1-inch pieces.
Garlic Cloves: A few smashed cloves add even more garlic goodness.
Lemon: Quartered. Stuffing lemon into the chicken cavity adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
First, wash and chop all your vegetables. I like to quarter my potatoes and onions, and chop the carrots into 1-inch pieces. If you’re using celery, chop that up too. This makes sure they cook evenly in the slow cooker. I usually do this while the slow cooker is still cool; it saves time later!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Now pat the chicken dry with paper towels. How do I get my skin to get crispy in a slow cooker? In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and dried thyme, and serve. Salt, and pepper. How do you rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin as well? Don’t be afraid to massage it in!
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped vegetables in the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with a little olive oil. How do you make a nice bed for chickens? If you’re using garlic cloves and lemon, stuff them inside the chicken cavity now.
Step 4: Cook
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when it’s cooked. If you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork, you will get swollen. I always use a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Serve
How do I cook chicken in a slow cooker? What is the best way to redistribute chicken juices? What is the best way to carve chicken and serve with cooked vegetables? Don’t forget to spoon some juice over everything!
What should I serve it with?
What is a slow cooker full chicken dinner? What are some good side dishes to serve with your meal?
For a Classic Meal:Serve with green beans or asparagus.
What is a hearty meal? Add a side of mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
For a light meal:Pair it with a salad.
My family loves it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all those yummy juices. Is it delicious served any way you like? I’ve been known to eat it straight out of the slow cooker (don’t judge me)!
How do I make a slow cooker full chicken dinner?
How can I make this recipe even better?
What is the best way to brown chickenFor extra crispy skin, you can brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. I like to sear it on all sides for a few minutes until it’s golden brown.
Adding Liquid:Some slow cookers tend to dry out the chicken. If you’re worried about this, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the slow cooker before cooking. Add the chicken.
How do I check myUse a meat thermometer to check the temperature of chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the vegetables and juices after the chicken is cooked and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add a little more salt and pepper.
Varying the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Using Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute them for the dried herbs in the recipe. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
One time, I forgot to add salt and pepper to the vegetables, and the whole dish was a little bland. Lesson learned: don’t skip the seasoning!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Leftover chicken and vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and vegetables in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Freezing: Cooked chicken and vegetables can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the chicken and vegetables to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place them in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
I usually shred the leftover chicken before storing it, which makes it easier to reheat and use in other dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Full Chicken Dinner Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites. It’s easy, delicious, and budget-friendly – what more could you ask for? It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels like a Sunday feast. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meals. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you try it! Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Full Chicken Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds whole chicken cleaned and patted dry
- 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes halved
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 whole yellow onion cut into wedges
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the halved potatoes, carrots, and onion wedges in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Rub the chicken inside and out with olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with minced garlic.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
