Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of a perfectly roasted chicken, its crispy skin glistening and the juices bursting with every bite. Now, picture achieving that same level of flavor and texture, all with the convenience of your trusty slow cooker. Welcome to the world of crock pot rotisserie chicken, where the secrets to juicy, flavorful perfection are about to be unveiled.
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of rotisserie chicken but doesn’t have the time or equipment to roast one at home. By utilizing the low-and-slow magic of a crock pot, you’ll end up with a bird that’s just as succulent and delectable as the ones you find at your local deli or supermarket. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time and just a few simple ingredients.
So, let’s dive in and discover the delicious secret behind this remarkable recipe. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a crock pot rotisserie chicken that’s destined to become a new household favorite.
The Delicious Secret Behind This Recipe’s Success
The key to this crock pot rotisserie chicken’s exceptional flavor and texture lies in the unique cooking method. By slow-cooking the chicken in the crock pot, the meat remains incredibly moist and tender, with a perfectly crisp skin that’s achieved through a clever trick. The secret? Broiling the chicken for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time to mimic the high-heat roasting of a traditional rotisserie.
This two-step process, combining the gentle, even heat of the slow cooker with the intense, direct heat of the broiler, results in a chicken that’s bursting with juicy flavor and a beautifully browned, crackly skin. The low-and-slow cooking in the crock pot allows the flavors to meld and the connective tissues to break down, while the final broiling step gives you that signature rotisserie appearance and taste.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
The key ingredients in this recipe are the spice blend that coats the chicken, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile. The combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme not only seasons the meat but also helps the skin develop that irresistible crispy texture when broiled. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your personal taste preferences – this recipe is highly customizable.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and into the cavity.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a 6-quart or larger crock pot, breast-side up. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and the juices run clear.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. Broil on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. The resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 4-8 hours
• Broiling time: 5-7 minutes
• Resting time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes – 8 hours 32 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.
• Protein: 49 g
• Sodium: 739 mg
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
Creative Add-Ins and Mix-Ins
• To Make it Vegan: Unfortunately, this recipe cannot be made vegan, as it is centered around a whole chicken.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a delightful hint of heat.
How to Make This Dish Dinner-Party Ready 🍽️
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the sliced chicken with freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of lemon-herb butter, and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or slivered almonds for added texture.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
Simple Fixes for Common Cooking Errors
• Mistake 2 – Forgetting to Broil: Don’t skip the final broiling step, as this is crucial for achieving the signature crispy skin. Be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken during broiling to prevent burning.
• Mistake 3 – Cutting into the Chicken Too Soon: Resist the urge to slice into the chicken as soon as it comes out of the crock pot. Allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes is essential for the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful final dish.
How to Keep This Dish Fresh for Days 🌿
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover crock pot rotisserie chicken, place the desired portion on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help to revive the crispy skin.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use a fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe. A frozen chicken will take much longer to cook in the crock pot, and the texture may not be as optimal. Be sure to allow ample time for the chicken to thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.
How do I ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out in the crock pot?
The key to preventing a dry crock pot chicken is to not overcook it. Follow the recommended cooking times, and use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, it’s done. Additionally, basting the chicken with the cooking juices a few times during the cooking process can help keep it moist.
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole bird?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted to work with chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination of parts. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as chicken parts will cook faster than a whole bird. You may also need to reduce the amount of seasoning rub, as a whole chicken requires more to cover the surface area.
How can I get the skin extra crispy?
The broiling step at the end is crucial for achieving that signature crispy skin, but you can take it a step further. Try brushing the chicken with a bit of melted butter or oil before broiling to help the skin get even crispier. You can also sprinkle on a bit of additional paprika or garlic powder to further enhance the flavor and texture of the skin.
Can I adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily convert this crock pot rotisserie chicken recipe to work in an Instant Pot. Follow the same seasoning and preparation steps, then pressure cook the chicken on the “Poultry” setting for 25-30 minutes. Finish by broiling the chicken for 5-7 minutes to achieve the desired crispy skin.
Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe
Crock pot rotisserie chicken is a game-changer in the world of home-cooked meals. With its mouthwatering flavor, tender texture, and foolproof preparation, this recipe is destined to become a new family favorite. The secret lies in the low-and-slow cooking method, which infuses the meat with incredible juiciness, and the final broiling step that delivers that signature crispy skin.
Whether you’re serving this dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, your guests are sure to be impressed by the restaurant-quality results. Pair it with your choice of sides, garnishes, and beverages, and get ready to savor every bite of this delectable crock pot rotisserie chicken. Bon appétit!
🍗 Simple Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken: The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Perfection
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and into the cavity.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a 6-quart or larger crock pot, breast-side up. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and the juices run clear.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. Broil on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. The resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
