Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joys of cooking with a slow cooker! It’s like magic, isn’t it? You toss everything in, set it, and forget it until the aroma fills your home, making your mouth water. I stumbled upon this slow cooker whole chicken with garlic recipe during a particularly busy week, and it’s been my go-to ever since. The combination of tender chicken and the rich, savory taste of garlic is absolutely heavenly. Plus, it’s hassle-free—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for a busy weekend. Trust me, this dish will make you feel like a culinary rock star with barely any effort!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your slow cooker whole chicken sing with flavor!
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) – look for one that’s fresh and plump for the juiciest results.
- 10 cloves garlic, minced – I love to use extra garlic because it infuses the chicken with that rich, aromatic flavor.
- 1 onion, quartered – this adds sweetness and depth; it’s a must!
- 2 cups chicken broth – for moisture and richness; homemade is great if you have it!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – this helps with that lovely browning during searing.
- 1 teaspoon salt – seasoning is key, so don’t skip this!
- 1 teaspoon pepper – freshly cracked if you can, for that extra kick.
- 1 teaspoon rosemary – dried or fresh, it adds a beautiful aroma.
- 1 teaspoon thyme – another herb that complements the chicken perfectly.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic
Let’s get cooking! Start by patting your whole chicken dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy skin later on. Once it’s nice and dry, season it generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. I like to rub the seasoning all over and even under the skin for maximum flavor!
Next, heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully sear the chicken on all sides until it’s golden brown, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part; it adds incredible depth to the flavor!
Now, place the quartered onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a lovely aromatic base for the chicken. Gently place the seared chicken on top, then pour in the chicken broth around it—this keeps everything moist during cooking.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours. Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible! Once it’s fully cooked and tender, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Enjoy the juicy, garlicky goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare – just season, sear, and let the slow cooker do its magic!
- Flavorful garlic infusion – the garlic permeates the chicken, making every bite delicious.
- Perfect for meal prep – make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Gluten-free option – a wholesome meal that everyone can enjoy without worry.
- Family-friendly dish – it’s a crowd-pleaser that even the kids will love!
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic
To ensure your slow cooker whole chicken turns out perfect every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning—this helps achieve that desirable crispy skin. When you’re ready to check for doneness, look for the juices to run clear when you poke the thigh with a knife; that’s how you know it’s fully cooked. Also, if you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after cooking; it allows all those juicy flavors to settle in. You’ll be amazed at the results!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so I can’t provide precise numbers. However, here’s an estimate for a serving size of 1/6 of the chicken: about 350 calories, 20g of fat, 35g of protein, and just 1g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty dish that packs in nutrition while keeping things deliciously satisfying!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic
Got questions about making this delicious slow cooker whole chicken? I’ve got answers!
How long should I cook the chicken? For tender, juicy results, cook it on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, but I recommend low for the best flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to thaw your chicken before cooking for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, you can cook it frozen—just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
What can I do with leftovers? Leftover chicken is amazing! Use it in soups, salads, or sandwiches. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Are there any variations? Absolutely! You can add veggies like carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal, or even try different herbs like sage or oregano for a twist on flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your slow cooker whole chicken, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! When you’re ready to dig in again, simply reheat slices in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from drying out and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic
When it comes to serving this delightful slow cooker whole chicken, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a fresh garden salad for a light touch, or you could go for some roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts to soak up those garlicky juices. For a heartier meal, serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes—trust me, the flavors will meld together beautifully. And don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce!
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic: 5 Savory Tips
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A slow cooker whole chicken infused with garlic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown.
- Place the onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken on top of the onion and garlic.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest before carving.
Notes
- Serve with vegetables or over rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker whole chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipes
