counter create hit

Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika

Instructions:

  1. Place the whole chicken directly into the ceramic crockpot.
  2. Dust the chicken generously with garlic powder and paprika.
  3. Do not add any water; the chicken will create its own broth during cooking.
  4. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for about 5 hours.
  5. Ten minutes before serving, prepare a spinach/romaine salad and steam a few cauliflower florets.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set aside to cool slightly.
  7. Pour any remaining broth from the crockpot into a Ziploc bag and freeze it for future use.
  8. When ready to use the frozen broth, simply thaw it out and use it in place of store-bought broth for added flavor in soups and other dishes.
  9. Enjoy the deliciously cooked whole chicken with your favorite sides!

This simple and convenient recipe yields a tender and flavorful whole chicken with minimal effort. Plus, utilizing the homemade broth adds depth of flavor to future meals.

Tips for Making Crockpot Whole Chicken:

  1. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the garlic powder and paprika; generously seasoning the chicken ensures flavorful results.
  2. Use a Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken rather than individual pieces helps to retain moisture and flavor during the slow cooking process.
  3. Skip the Water: Allowing the chicken to cook without adding water allows it to create its own delicious broth, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
  4. Cook on High: Cooking the chicken on high for about 5 hours ensures it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safe consumption while remaining tender and juicy.
  5. Make Ahead: Save time by preparing the chicken in the crockpot ahead of time and freezing any leftover broth for future use.
See also  Learned this dish from my Italian grandma. It's divine and quick to put together!

FAQs:

1. Can I use different seasonings?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the chicken to your liking.

2. How do I know when the chicken is done?

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the meat.

3. Can I cook the chicken on low heat instead?

  • Yes, you can cook the chicken on low heat for 8-10 hours if you prefer a longer cooking time.

4. How long can I store the frozen broth?

  • The frozen broth can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to label the bag with the date for reference.

5. Can I use the leftover chicken for other recipes?

  • Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be used in a variety of recipes such as soups, salads, sandwiches, and casseroles.