How to Make Rotisserie Chicken in Slow Cooker

So, you want to master the art of making a mouthwatering rotisserie chicken in your slow cooker.

Picture this: You come home after a long day, and the savory aroma of perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken fills your kitchen.

It's easier than you think. With the right techniques, you can achieve that tender, flavorful rotisserie chicken using your slow cooker.

Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create a delectable rotisserie chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Takeaways

• Select a fresh, whole chicken weighing around 4 to 5 pounds for even cooking.
• Create a flavorful herb blend using rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage to season the chicken.
• Use a 6-quart slow cooker for proper heat circulation and prevent overcrowding.
• Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.

Selecting the Right Chicken

To make rotisserie chicken in a slow cooker, you should select a fresh, whole chicken from your local grocery store or butcher. When choosing a chicken, consider the size of the bird. For a standard slow cooker, a chicken weighing around 4 to 5 pounds is ideal. This size ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly within the slow cooker.

Additionally, look for freshness indicators. Check the color of the chicken's skin; it should be pinkish-white or yellowish. The skin should also be free from any grayish or transparent patches, which could indicate spoilage. Another freshness indicator is the smell. A fresh chicken should have a mild, slightly sweet odor. If the chicken gives off a sour or ammonia-like smell, it's best to choose another one.

Seasoning the Chicken

When selecting the right chicken for your slow cooker, ensuring its freshness and ideal size is crucial.

Now you can move on to seasoning it for the rotisserie cooking process. Seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in achieving that perfect rotisserie flavor.

Here's how to season your chicken for the slow cooker:

1. Flavorful herbs: Start by creating a flavorful herb blend. Combine herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage with a bit of salt and pepper. This herb blend will infuse the chicken with a rich and aromatic flavor as it cooks slowly in the rotisserie.
2. Perfect seasoning: Once you have your herb blend ready, rub it generously all over the chicken, ensuring that the seasoning reaches every part of the chicken, including under the skin. This ensures that the chicken is evenly flavored and seasoned throughout.
3. Marinating time: After seasoning, allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent rotisserie chicken.

Preparing the Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by ensuring it's clean and properly assembled before adding the seasoned chicken. The size of your slow cooker is crucial for this recipe. A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for a whole chicken, as it allows for proper heat circulation and prevents overcrowding, ensuring even cooking. If your slow cooker is larger, consider placing a layer of thickly sliced onions at the bottom to elevate the chicken, preventing it from sitting in its juices and becoming soggy. Conversely, if your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to truss the chicken to ensure it fits properly.

When it comes to slow cooker cooking times, the average cooking time for a whole chicken on low heat is 6-7 hours, but this can vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific slow cooker. To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, especially if it's on the larger side, it's essential to use a food thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken (usually the thigh) has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C).

Once the chicken is cooked through, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Now it's time to get that chicken cooking in the slow cooker.

First, set the slow cooker to the appropriate temperature for poultry.

Then, season the chicken to your liking and consider using a marinade for added flavor.

Slow Cooker Temperature

Start by setting your slow cooker to the low temperature setting. Cooking the chicken at a low temperature in the slow cooker ensures that it remains tender and juicy. Here are some key points to keep in mind when it comes to slow cooker temperature:

1. Consistent Heat: The low setting on your slow cooker is generally around 190°F, which is ideal for slow cooking poultry. This temperature helps to gently cook the chicken, allowing it to remain moist and flavorful.
2. Avoid Opening the Lid: Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for even cooking. Opening the lid can cause heat to escape, leading to fluctuations in temperature and potentially impacting the cooking time.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat without overcooking it.

Seasoning and Marinade

Once you have set your slow cooker to the low temperature setting, you'll need to season and marinate the chicken before cooking.

Flavor experimentation is key to achieving a delicious rotisserie-style chicken. Consider using a dry rub of herbs and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme for a traditional flavor.

For a more adventurous taste, experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, lemon pepper, or Mexican-inspired spices.

If you prefer a juicier and more flavorful outcome, you can opt for marinade alternatives. Try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs and seasonings for a few hours before placing it in the slow cooker. This will infuse the chicken with extra moisture and a burst of flavor.

Checking for Doneness

Now that the chicken is cooking, it's important to check for doneness before serving.

You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or simply check for clear juices and firm, white meat.

These are key indicators that your rotisserie chicken is ready to be enjoyed.

Doneness Test Methods

To determine if your rotisserie chicken is done cooking in the slow cooker, there are several methods you can use.

1. Temperature Test: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F, which is the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it reaches the desired temperature.
2. Visual Inspection: Check the color of the chicken. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear without any pink tinge. This can be a good indication that the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Texture Check, Smell Test: Another way to check for doneness is by checking the texture of the chicken. It should have a firm texture and not feel soft or rubbery. Additionally, give it a sniff. The chicken should have a pleasant, cooked aroma. If the meat is still soft and the smell is off, it may need more time to cook.

Using these methods will ensure your rotisserie chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Signs of Cooked Chicken

Checking for doneness involves using multiple methods to ensure the rotisserie chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

When checking the chicken texture, the meat should be firm and springy to the touch.

If you insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the chicken, the juices should run clear with no traces of pink or red, indicating that it's fully cooked.

Additionally, the color of cooked chicken is an important indicator. The meat should have a consistent, opaque white color throughout, with no translucent or pink areas.

If using a meat thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it's safe to consume.

Properly cooked rotisserie chicken will have a tender texture and a uniform, white appearance.

Resting and Serving

Allow the rotisserie chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to ensure juiciness and tenderness. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent chicken.

Once rested, follow these carving techniques to make the most of your perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken:

1. Start by removing the kitchen twine or any trussing from the chicken.
2. Carefully carve the legs and thighs, followed by the breast meat, using a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and beautiful presentation.
3. Consider shredding any remaining meat for sandwiches, salads, or tacos, making the most of every last bit of your delicious rotisserie chicken.

When it comes to serving suggestions, consider pairing the rotisserie chicken with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Additionally, the leftover carcass can be used to make a flavorful chicken broth for soups or stews.

Storing Leftover Chicken

You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it's safe to eat.

There are various reheating methods you can use. One way is to simply microwave the chicken, covering it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to retain moisture. Another option is to reheat it on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it from getting dry.

If you don't plan on consuming the leftover chicken within four days, freezing it's a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to four months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it using one of the aforementioned methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Frozen Chicken in the Slow Cooker?

You shouldn't use a frozen chicken in the slow cooker for food safety reasons. Thaw the chicken first, then cook it in the slow cooker according to the recipe's recommended cooking time.

Can I Use a Slow Cooker Liner for Easier Cleanup?

Yes, using a slow cooker liner is a great idea for easier cleanup. It's one of the benefits of using a slow cooker. If you prefer, there are also alternative options like cooking spray or parchment paper.

Should I Remove the Skin From the Chicken Before Cooking?

You should consider removing the skin from the chicken before cooking. Removing the skin can result in a healthier dish with less fat, but it may also lead to slightly drier meat.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker With the Chicken?

You can definitely add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken. Try options like carrots, potatoes, and onions for a tasty meal. This not only enhances flavor but also maximizes the slow cooker benefits.

Can I Use the Leftover Bones and Carcass to Make Chicken Broth?

Yes, you can use the leftover bones and carcass to make chicken broth. Simmer the leftover bones and carcass in water with vegetables and herbs for a few hours to extract the flavorful broth.