Crock Pot Chicken with Pan Gravy An Easy Chicken Recipe Cooking from www.cookingwithsugar.com
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot
Cooking a whole chicken in the crock pot is a great way to make dinner easy and delicious. The slow cooker does all of the work for you, allowing you to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal. It's also a great way to make sure your chicken stays moist and full of flavor. Here are some tips for making the perfect crock pot chicken.
Choosing the Right Chicken
The first step to a perfect crock pot chicken is choosing the right chicken. It's best to look for a young roaster chicken. This type of chicken is larger and meatier than the smaller fryer variety, so it will stay moist and tender when cooked in the crock pot. Make sure to look for a chicken that is free of any added solutions or preservatives, as these can affect the taste of the final dish.
Adding Flavor
Once you have the chicken, you'll need to season it. The best way to do this is to rub the chicken with spices and herbs. Fresh garlic, rosemary, oregano, and thyme are all great options. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as chicken broth, white wine, or even beer. This will add additional flavor to the chicken and will help to keep it moist.
Cooking Time and Temperature
When it comes to cooking time, it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most crock pots will cook a whole chicken in about 8 to 10 hours on low heat. If you're cooking on high heat, it will take about 4 to 6 hours. You should always check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it is cooked thoroughly. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Storing and Reheating
Once the chicken is cooked, it's important to store and reheat it properly. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat the chicken, place it back in the crock pot and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is heated through.
Delicious Whole Chicken Crock Pot Recipes
Now that you know the basics of cooking a whole chicken in the crock pot, here are some delicious recipes to try. All of these recipes are easy to make and full of flavor.
Lemon-Garlic Chicken
This lemon-garlic chicken is a classic crock pot recipe. The lemon and garlic add a bright flavor to the chicken, while the slow cooker keeps it moist and juicy. To make this dish, combine a whole chicken, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano in the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
Barbecue Chicken
This barbecue chicken is a great way to add a little spice to your meal. To make this dish, combine a whole chicken, 1/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
Coconut-Curry Chicken
This coconut-curry chicken is a great way to add a little exotic flavor to your meal. To make this dish, combine a whole chicken, 1 can of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
Teriyaki Chicken
This teriyaki chicken is a great way to add a little sweetness to your meal. To make this dish, combine a whole chicken, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger in the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
Herb-Roasted Chicken
This herb-roasted chicken is a great way to add a little flavor to your meal. To make this dish, combine a whole chicken, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped thyme, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped oregano, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the crock pot. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole chicken in the crock pot is a great way to make a delicious, easy meal. By following these simple tips and trying out some of these delicious recipes, you can make the perfect crock pot chicken every time. So give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!
Video Slow Cooker Whole Chicken {much better than buying a rotisserie chicken!}