Last Updated on February 6, 2023
Are you looking for a guide on how to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker? Look no further. With just the right ingredients and equipment, some simple preparation steps, easy cooking instructions and great serving suggestions – your dinner will be ready before you know it. So don’t wait any longer; get started on making this tasty dish with minimal effort today.
Table of Contents:
- Ingredients and Equipment
- Preparing the Chicken
- Cooking Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs in Relation to How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker
- Conclusion
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
1. Whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
2. Salt and pepper to taste
3. 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water
4. 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
Equipment:
1. Slow cooker with a lid that fits snugly on top
2. Cutting board and knife for preparing the chicken
3. Measuring cups and spoons for measuring ingredients
Additional Items:
1. Spices such as garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme etc., if desired
2. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions etc., if desired
3. Aluminium foil to cover the slow cooker before cooking begins
4. Tongs or a large spoon for removing cooked chicken from the slow cooker after it is done cooking
5. A thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the cooked chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving it
6. Serving platter or plates for when you are ready to serve your delicious meal.
Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment before beginning to cook the chicken in a slow cooker, such as a slow cooker, chicken, herbs, spices and vegetables. Now let’s move on to preparing the chicken for cooking.
Preparing the Chicken
Cleaning
Before you begin cooking, it is important to make sure your chicken is clean. To do this, rinse the chicken under cold running water and use a paper towel to pat dry. Make sure all visible fat has been removed from the outside of the bird as well.
Seasoning
Once your chicken is cleaned, season it with salt and pepper or any other spices that you prefer. If desired, you can also stuff herbs inside of the cavity before cooking. This will add flavour to your dish.
Additional Ingredients
If desired, you can add vegetables such as carrots or potatoes into the slow cooker along with your seasoned chicken. This will help create a complete meal in one pot. You may also want to consider adding some liquid such as broth or wine for added moisture while cooking.
Once the chicken is prepped, it’s time to move on to the next step – cooking.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how you do it:
Set your slow cooker to low heat setting for 8 hours or high heat setting for 4 hours depending on size of bird – adjust time accordingly based on weight of chicken being cooked; larger birds will take longer than smaller ones. Once done cooking let cool before serving/carving so that juices can settle back into meat making it moist & flavorful.
Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can have dinner ready with minimal effort. Now let’s look at some serving suggestions to make your meal complete.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving cooked chicken, there are endless possibilities. From traditional dishes like fried chicken and roasted chicken to more creative recipes like a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce over grilled chicken, the options are nearly limitless. But when you’re ready to serve your cooked bird, what should you pair it with?
Mashed Potatoes:
Mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish for any type of cooked chicken. Whether you’re making classic mashed potatoes or trying something new like sweet potato mash or cauliflower mash, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Rice:
Rice is another great option for pairing with cooked chicken. Brown rice has a nutty flavour that pairs well with many types of poultry dishes while white rice can help soak up all the delicious juices from the pan-fried or baked bird. For an extra flavorful twist, try adding some herbs and spices such as cumin and coriander to your rice before cooking it.
Vegetables:
Vegetables are always a great choice when serving cooked chicken because they provide colour and texture contrast as well as added nutrition. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, squash, peppers or mushrooms go particularly well with most poultry dishes but don’t forget about steamed greens like spinach or kale too.
Salad:
A light salad is also an ideal accompaniment for cooked chicken – especially if you’re looking for something fresh and healthy on the side. Try combining mixed greens with tomatoes and cucumbers then drizzle on some olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing – yum.
If you want something heartier than just a regular salad but still want to keep things light, why not try making pasta salad? Cooked macaroni noodles tossed in mayonnaise (or Greek yoghurt) along with diced vegetables make for a tasty side dish that’s perfect alongside any kind of poultry dish. Leftovers make great lunchbox fillers too.
FAQs in Relation to How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Can you cook chicken in slow cooker without liquid?
Yes, you can cook chicken in a slow cooker without liquid. This is known as ‘dry cooking’ and it’s a great way to make sure your chicken stays juicy and tender. You’ll need to use indirect heat by adding some kind of barrier between the food and the heating element, such as aluminium foil or parchment paper. The key is to ensure that the temperature remains low enough so that the chicken cooks slowly without burning or drying out. Make sure to check on your dish regularly for doneness.
How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot can be tricky as it can easily dry out. To prevent this, you should use low heat settings and add plenty of liquid such as broth or water to the pot. Additionally, cover the chicken with foil before cooking to help keep moisture in. Finally, make sure not to overcook the chicken; check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove it from the heat when it reaches 165°F (74°C). With these tips, your chicken will come out moist and flavorful every time.
Is it safe to cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is safe to cook chicken in a slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is high enough to kill any bacteria that may be present. It’s important to ensure the slow cooker reaches this temperature by preheating it before adding the ingredients and checking with a food thermometer at least once during cooking. Additionally, make sure you use fresh or thawed chicken and keep it refrigerated until ready for use. Following these steps will help guarantee your meal is cooked safely and thoroughly.
Conclusion
With the right ingredients, equipment, and instructions you can have a succulent meal that will be sure to please everyone at the table. So why not try learning how to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker? You’ll be glad you did when you get to enjoy your perfectly cooked whole chicken.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.