Crockpot Roast Chicken Effortless Sunday Dinner
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: The Easiest Sunday Roast Ever
Fancy a crockpot roasted chicken ? Honestly, who doesn't? I've been making this for years, and it's my go-to when I want a proper Sunday dinner without being stuck in the kitchen all day.
The aroma is divine , like a hug in a bowl.
What’s This Crockpot Chicken Dinner All About?
The humble slow cooker whole chicken , or crockpot chicken dinner , is a lifesaver. This one pot chicken recipe is perfect for a roast dinner.
It's so easy and its origins are probably from people wanting that juicy roast, but without the drama of conventional oven roasting.
This is an easy Sunday roast that gives you a juicy crockpot chicken with almost zero effort. The total cook time averages around 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high, plus a quick 15 minutes under the broiler.
This recipe yields 4-6 servings of pure deliciousness!
Main Benefits: Flavour & Convenience
One of the best things about this best crockpot chicken recipe is how healthy it is. High in protein and packed with nutrients from the veggies, it's a guilt free way to enjoy classic comfort food.
This crock pot roast chicken with vegetables is ideal for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
And honestly, the flavour? Out of this world! Plus, who doesn't want a tender and flavourful chicken with minimal effort?
So, what makes this crispy crockpot chicken so special? It's the sheer simplicity. No fancy techniques or complicated steps. You just bung everything in the whole chicken crockpot , set it, and forget it.
It's that easy! Now, let's talk ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Crockpot Roasted Chicken Toolkit
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this easy Sunday roast . Don't worry, it's not a huge list. This is a slow cooker chicken recipe made easy!.
Main Ingredients: The Starring Roles
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs/1.3-1.8 kg ), giblets removed. Look for a bird that's plump and juicy. Preferably free range for the best flavour.
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt.
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika.
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder.
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme.
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried rosemary.
1 lemon , quartered.
1 onion , quartered.
2 carrots , roughly chopped.
2 celery stalks , roughly chopped.
Optional: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter or olive oil (for broiling if you want crispy crockpot chicken ).
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Magic
This spice blend is the bomb. It's a classic combo that works every time. Think savory, smoky, and a little bit herby.
You can always tweak it to your taste. Rosemary and Thyme together is just delicious
Don't have dried thyme or rosemary? Poultry seasoning works great. Garlic lovers, add a bit more garlic powder. Want a little heat? A pinch of cayenne pepper does the trick! You can find the best crockpot chicken recipe easily!.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You'll need a 6-quart (5.7 liter) or larger slow cooker (crockpot). That's essential for this whole chicken crockpot recipe. I've got a basic one, nothing fancy.
You'll also need a small mixing bowl for your spice rub. A basting brush is handy, but not a must.
A meat thermometer is crucial - aim for 165° F ( 74° C) . Finally, grab a roasting pan or oven safe dish if you decide to broil for that juicy crockpot chicken and crispy crockpot chicken .
If you do not have a slow cooker use the oven!
Cooking Method
Crockpot Roasted Chicken: Effortless Sunday Dinner
Fancy an easy sunday roast without all the stress? This crockpot roasted chicken recipe is a game changer. It delivers a juicy crockpot chicken that's tender and flavorful.
We're talking slow cooker chicken recipe perfection! Seriously, this is a total win for any night of the week. It's a one pot chicken recipe that's just begging to be made!
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Flavor
Essential mise en place: Get everything ready! Pat your 3-4 lb chicken dry. Seriously dry . Mix your spices. Chop your veggies.
Trust me, prep is key for a smooth cooking experience. Time saving organization tips: Pre-chop your veggies the night before to save time.
You know? That way, you can literally just chuck them in the slow cooker the next day. Safety reminders: Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
And ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) to avoid any nasties.
step-by-step Process: Your Path to Deliciousness
- Pat the chicken dry. This is essential !
- Make a rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp thyme, and 1/2 tsp rosemary.
- Rub the chicken with the spice mix, inside and out.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion quarters.
- Place carrots, celery, and remaining onion in the slow cooker .
- Put the chicken on top of the veggies.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . Check the temperature after 6 or 3 hours respectively!
- Broil for 5- 10 minutes for crispy skin.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game
Want a crispy crockpot chicken ? The trick is to dry the skin! Also, don't skip the broiling step. Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding the crockpot .
Want to get ahead? Mix the spice rub the night before.
Why This Best Crockpot Chicken Recipe Rocks
This whole chicken crockpot recipe is awesome because it frees up your oven! Plus, it’s so easy. I mean, you basically just dump everything in and let the slow cooker do its thing.
No constant basting or worrying about burning. It is the slow cooker whole chicken recipe you need! I love serving it with some roasted potatoes and a simple salad for an easy sunday roast sort of vibe.
You can even throw in some crock pot roast chicken with vegetables . It's a family favourite!
Recipe Notes for Your Best Crockpot Roasted Chicken
Right, so you're about to embark on making a killer crockpot roasted chicken . Sorted. This ain't just a recipe; it's a gateway to an easy sunday roast without the kitchen drama.
Let's dive into some handy tips to make your whole chicken crockpot experience top-notch.
Serving Ideas That'll Wow
Okay, so you've got this perfectly juicy crockpot chicken , now what? Presentation is key, innit? Plating wise, think about carving the chicken and arranging it on a bed of those soft, slow cooked veggies from the bottom of the crock pot roast chicken with vegetables .
Maybe a sprig of rosemary for that fancy touch?
On the side, you cannot go wrong with roasted potatoes and carrots. A simple green salad with a zingy lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
And, if you're feeling a bit extra , Yorkshire puddings are always a winner with a proper crockpot chicken dinner .
Don't forget the gravy!
Storage Superpowers
Honestly, leftover slow cooker chicken recipe is a gift. Refrigerate any remaining chicken within two hours of cooking. Chop it up and pop it in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit there for 3-4 days .
Freezing? Absolutely! Shred the chicken and freeze it in portions for future meals. Use freezer bags or containers. It will last up to 2-3 months .
To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then gently warm it up in a pan with a splash of stock or gravy.
Don't microwave it, it'll get rubbery like your nan's sunday beef.
Spice It Up! Recipe Variations
Fancy a change? Swap out the carrots and onions for zucchini. Suddenly you have a lovely one pot chicken recipe that's also keto friendly.
Also, try adding garlic to the spice rub. Like, loads of it. And a bit more pepper. For a crispy crockpot chicken flavour explosion.
Nutrition Nuggets
Alright, quick nutrition chat. This best crockpot chicken recipe is pretty healthy. Think around 350-450 calories per serving, packing in a whopping 40-50g of protein.
You are gonna love this slow cooker whole chicken . It's also relatively low in carbs bonus. It's a solid source of lean protein and essential nutrients.
Ultimately, a slow cooker chicken recipe is about making life easier, right? Don’t be afraid to experiment. And remember the most important thing is you enjoy the process! Get stuck in, and let me know how your crockpot roasted chicken turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really roast a chicken in a crockpot? Doesn't it just get…steamed?
You absolutely can! While it's not exactly roasting in the traditional sense, a crockpot roasted chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy. The key is to pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and consider popping it under the broiler at the end to crisp up the skin a bit.
Think of it as the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it Sunday roast alternative.
How do I get crispy skin on my crockpot roasted chicken? It looks a bit pale.
Ah, the age-old question! Crockpots aren't known for crispy skin, but you can achieve it with a little trickery. After the chicken is cooked, carefully transfer it to a roasting pan. Brush it with melted butter or olive oil and broil it for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Just like when you're making toast, the broiler is a fast way to crisp up the skin. This gives it that proper roast chicken look.
My chicken is a different size than the recipe calls for. How long should I cook my crockpot roasted chicken?
Chicken sizes vary, so rely on internal temperature rather than cooking time alone. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone). The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
A smaller chicken might cook faster, while a larger one will need more time, but never guess! Always check to be safe.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken, and if so, which ones work best?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to make it a complete meal, just like how you'd prep it for roasting in an oven. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions work especially well, as they can withstand the long cooking time. Just be sure to cut them into larger chunks so they don't turn to mush.
A few sprigs of rosemary never hurt either.
What's the best way to store leftover crockpot roasted chicken?
Once cooled, shred or slice the leftover chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Use the leftover chicken in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles - it's like a gift that keeps on giving!
Is crockpot roasted chicken healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Crockpot roasted chicken can be a healthy and delicious option, similar to normal roasted chicken. It's a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
To keep it even healthier, trim excess fat before cooking and consider adding plenty of vegetables to the crockpot.
Crockpot Roast Chicken Effortless Sunday Dinner
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 5-10g |