Slow Cooker Whole Roast Chicken and Potatoes
This recipe is a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for a delicious and healthy dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in juicy chicken and tender potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (optional)
- 1 onion, quartered (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
Cooking Guide:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, getting under the skin as well.
- Place the quartered potatoes (and carrots and onion, if using) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, being careful not to rinse off the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 20 minutes on a cutting board before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- While the chicken rests, you can mash the cooked potatoes and vegetables with a fork or potato masher for a side dish. Alternatively, you can serve them whole.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the potatoes and vegetables, and drizzle with pan juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Tips:
- For crispier skin, you can remove the chicken from the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the end of cooking and broil it on high for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as celery, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water with a tablespoon of bouillon paste.
- Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, or chicken pot pie.