If you are craving a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner with minimal fuss, the Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe transforms a simple whole chicken into tender, savory perfection by slow-cooking it to juicy goodness while infusing it with rich, smoky spices. Whether you’re busy with a hectic schedule or just want a comforting meal to come home to, this dish is effortless yet impressively delicious. Let me walk you through how this slow cooker marvel can become your new favorite weeknight dinner staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering basic pantry staples and a whole chicken is all you need for this recipe. Each ingredient plays a distinct role: olive oil to help the seasoning stick and develop flavor, paprika for its warm color and mild heat, plus classic aromatics like garlic and onion powders that deepen the taste. The hearty vegetables or foil balls not only lift the chicken off the slow cooker base but also contribute subtle earthiness or simply create the perfect cooking environment.
- Whole chicken (4-5 pounds): The star of the dish, providing juicy meat that absorbs all the delicious spices.
- Olive oil, 2 teaspoons: Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes delicious browning later.
- Paprika, 2 teaspoons: Adds a smoky sweetness and lovely deep color to the chicken’s skin.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tenderizing the meat.
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Brings savory warmth without overpowering the chicken.
- Onion powder, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Offers a gentle heat and brightens the overall flavor.
- Hearty vegetables or tin foil balls: Used as a rack to keep the chicken above the juices ensuring it steams beautifully without drowning.
How to Make Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix
Start by combining the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple seasoning blend packs a lot of punch and will give your chicken that signature rotisserie flavor with minimal effort.
Step 2: Create the Cooking Base
Line the bottom of your crockpot with a layer of hearty vegetables like halved potatoes, peeled carrots, or onions. If you don’t have vegetables ready, roll up some balls of tin foil as a makeshift rack. This step keeps the chicken lifted an inch or two above the juices that accumulate, which helps the meat cook evenly without soaking in excess liquid.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
Rinse your whole chicken and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well and the skin crisps nicely if you choose to broil it at the end.
Step 4: Season and Oil the Chicken
Rub the entire chicken generously with olive oil, coating all surfaces to lock in moisture and assist the spices in adhering. Then evenly sprinkle on the prepared seasoning mix, massaging it into the skin and cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken onto your vegetable or foil base inside the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. The slow, gentle heat will break down connective tissue and infuse the meat with all those wonderful flavors, leaving you with a tender, juicy bird.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
If you crave that golden, crispy skin that makes rotisserie chicken so irresistible, transfer the cooked chicken to a sheet pan and place it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it carefully to prevent burning, but this step adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that’s totally worth it.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow your Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken to rest until it is cool enough to handle. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Then carve and get ready to savor one of the easiest, most delicious chicken dinners you’ll make this year.
How to Serve Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds a burst of color and freshness to your chicken plate. A wedge of lemon on the side also complements the smoky, savory notes with a bright, zesty punch. These simple touches elevate presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides. Consider creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the drippings, or roasted vegetables for added earthiness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. The versatility of this chicken means you can mix and match sides easily to fit your mood.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform leftovers by shredding the meat for tacos, sandwiches, or chicken salad. You can also dice the chicken and toss it into soups or pasta dishes for an easy protein boost. The texture and flavor of your Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe make it a fantastic foundation for many meals beyond just the initial dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and remains delicious whether you eat it cold for salads or reheat for a quick meal.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delightful chicken later, shred or chop the meat and freeze it in a sealed bag or container. Frozen chicken lasts up to 3 months and thaws quickly for a convenient protein source whenever you need it.
Reheating
The best way to reheat without drying out the chicken is gently in the oven or microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Adding a splash of broth helps preserve moisture so it tastes fresh and juicy all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking, you can start with frozen chicken but expect it to take longer to cook, and make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I need to add water or broth to the crockpot?
No additional liquid is necessary since the chicken and vegetables will release enough moisture during slow cooking, keeping everything tender and juicy.
How do I get crispy skin using a slow cooker?
The slow cooker doesn’t brown meat well, so after cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the skin crisps to perfection.
Can I use other seasonings in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice blend with your favorite herbs or spices, but the classic paprika, garlic, and onion combination offers that iconic rotisserie flavor that’s hard to beat.
Is it safe to cook a whole chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, as long as you cook it on low heat for the recommended 6 to 7 hours and verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, slow cooking whole chicken is perfectly safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you make the Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. It’s a beautifully fuss-free way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken any day of the week. This recipe effortlessly brings out the very best in a whole chicken and makes your kitchen feel like home. Give it a try and savor that satisfying taste of homemade comfort!
Print
Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken recipe offers a simple and convenient way to prepare a whole, juicy chicken with a flavorful seasoning mix. The chicken is slow-cooked on a bed of vegetables or foil balls to keep it elevated from the juices, resulting in tender meat with the option to finish under the broiler for a crispy skin. Perfect for an effortless, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 4-5 pound whole chicken
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Base for Chicken
- A few handfuls of hearty vegetables (such as halved potatoes, onions, or peeled carrots) OR rolled up balls of tin foil
Instructions
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper thoroughly to create the seasoning mix for the chicken.
- Prepare Crockpot Base: Line the bottom of the crockpot with hearty vegetables or shape a few balls of tin foil. This creates a platform that keeps the chicken elevated about an inch or two off the bottom of the pot, preventing it from sitting in its own juices during cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water, then remove the giblets from inside. Pat the chicken dry completely with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
- Season the Chicken: Rub olive oil evenly all over the chicken, then sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture all over, coating the entire surface.
- Cook in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken on the vegetable or foil base inside the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
- Optional Broiling for Crisp Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a sheet pan and place under the oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step creates a delicious, golden-brown crust on the skin.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Carve and enjoy this flavorful, moist rotisserie-style chicken.
Notes
- Using vegetables like potatoes or carrots as a base prevents the chicken from sitting in its own juices, enhancing flavor and texture.
- If vegetables are unavailable, tin foil balls can be used to elevate the chicken.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for crispy skin.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe works well with any whole chicken weighing between 4 to 5 pounds.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
