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Juicy Slow Cooker Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe with Herbed Butter Rub

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A no-fuss slow cooker recipe for a juicy, flavorful whole roasted chicken with a herbed butter rub that locks in moisture and delivers a roasted taste without drying out the meat.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds / 1.8 to 2.3 kg), room temperature before cooking
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons / 60 grams), softened
  • Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons), finely chopped
  • Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon), chopped
  • Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon), chopped
  • Garlic (3 cloves), minced
  • Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (½ teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Onion (1 medium), quartered
  • Chicken broth (½ cup / 120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Remove the chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels inside and out.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and fragrant.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and thighs by sliding your fingers under it, careful not to tear. Spread about half of the herbed butter mixture under the skin, pressing it evenly over the meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  4. Scatter the quartered onion pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of chicken broth.
  5. Set the rubbed chicken breast-side up on top of the onions. Tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  7. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  8. Optional: For crispier skin, place the chicken under a hot broiler for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs at one-third the amount. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil blend and chicken broth with vegetable broth. To get crispy skin, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain steady heat. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, whole roasted chicken, herbed butter rub, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://milacook.com/juicy-slow-cooker-whole-roasted-chicken-recipe-with-herbed-butter-rub/