The Best Rotisserie Chicken Recipe for Your Crockpot

Unlock effortless deliciousness with this incredible rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot. Imagine tender, juicy chicken that practically falls off the bone, all achieved with minimal hands-on effort. This simple method delivers a flavorful “rotisserie” style chicken perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or any time you crave comforting homemade goodness. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with ease!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe

This convenient crockpot rotisserie chicken recipe is a game-changer for many reasons:

• Hands-Off Cooking: Enjoy more free time while your slow cooker does all the work. It’s perfect for busy schedules.
• Juicy & Tender: Experience fall-off-the-bone chicken every time, thanks to the gentle, moist heat of the slow cooker.
• Budget-Friendly: Making your own chicken at home is often more economical than buying a pre-cooked store-bought bird.
• Customizable Flavor: You control the seasonings, ensuring your chicken tastes exactly how you like it.
• Versatile: This chicken provides endless possibilities for leftovers, from salads to sandwiches and more.
• Healthier Option: You know precisely what ingredients go into your meal, avoiding unwanted additives.

Ingredients

Creating a delicious rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot starts with fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs.), insides removed
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Aluminum foil, or thickly-sliced onions, carrots, or celery (to create a rack)

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken Size: A 4-5 lb chicken fits most 6-quart slow cookers. Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller birds.
• Seasoning Rub: Feel free to experiment! Try Italian seasoning, dried rosemary, thyme, or a spicy blend with cayenne pepper.
• Fresh Herbs: For extra aroma, place fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme inside the chicken cavity.
• Liquid: You don’t need to add any liquid to the slow cooker. The chicken releases plenty of its own delicious juices as it cooks.
• Vegetable Rack: Using sliced vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery not only creates a rack but also infuses the chicken with subtle flavor.

Equipment

Gathering the right tools makes this rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot even simpler.

• 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker
• Small bowl for seasoning
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer
• Optional: Tongs or carving fork for easy removal

Choosing Your Slow Cooker

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for a standard 4-5 lb whole chicken, allowing enough space for air circulation and even cooking. Some newer models offer programming features or a “warm” setting, which can be convenient for keeping your chicken ready until dinner. Ensure your slow cooker lid fits securely to trap moisture.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot:

1. Prepare Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cool water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Drying the skin helps the seasoning adhere better.
2. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk them together until they are well blended. This forms your flavorful dry rub.
3. Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture generously all over the chicken. Make sure to cover the outside skin, inside the cavity, and even carefully lift the skin over the breasts to apply some rub directly to the meat for maximum flavor.
4. Create Rack: Roll up a few small balls of aluminum foil, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Alternatively, thickly slice some onions, carrots, or celery. Place these at the bottom of your slow cooker bowl. This creates a “rack” to elevate the chicken, preventing it from sitting in its own juices and steaming too much.
5. Place Chicken: Carefully set the seasoned chicken on top of the foil balls or vegetables in the slow cooker. Press it down gently if needed to ensure the lid fits securely over the pot.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4-5 hours. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your bird.
7. Check Temperature: To ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. To ensure food safety, always consult official guidelines like the USDA’s Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. It will be very tender, so use tongs or a carving fork. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bird. Carve or shred the chicken as desired.

How to Get Crispy Skin

Slow cookers excel at tenderness but not crispiness. To achieve that coveted crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet. Place it under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Broil until the skin is golden brown and crackling.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Master this rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot with these helpful hints.

• Don’t Add Liquid: Resisting the urge to add water or broth is key. The chicken naturally releases plenty of its own flavorful juices during cooking.
• Pat Dry for Flavor: Thoroughly patting the chicken dry with paper towels is crucial. This step allows the seasoning rub to adhere better and create a more concentrated flavor.
• Internal Temperature: Always rely on a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Visual cues alone can be misleading, and a thermometer ensures safety and prevents overcooking.
• Prevent Dryness: Using a rack to elevate the chicken prevents it from stewing in its juices and becoming mushy. Don’t overcook the chicken past 165°F to maintain moisture.
• Flavor Boost: Stuffing the cavity with half a lemon and a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Sauce: Don’t discard the pan drippings! They are incredibly flavorful and can be used as a base for gravy or added to homemade chicken broth.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Your flavorful rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot is incredibly versatile for various meals.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your tender chicken with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted root vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad. It’s also delicious alongside cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the juices.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, shred or chop the cooked chicken and freeze it in airtight bags or containers. It will last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

Reheat shredded chicken gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out, or in the microwave. For larger pieces, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, covering it to retain moisture.

Creative Variations

• Spicy Chicken: Boost the rub with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a fiery kick.
• Herb Roasted: Use a blend of dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano in your seasoning for an aromatic twist.
• Lemon Garlic: Add thin lemon slices and extra minced garlic to the cavity and under the skin for a bright, zesty flavor.
• BBQ Chicken: During the last hour of cooking, generously brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sticky, sweet glaze.
• Shredded Chicken Meals: Use the shredded chicken for tacos, quesadillas, chicken salad sandwiches, creamy soups, or power bowls.

Nutrition (per serving)

Please note: Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use frozen chicken? No, you should always thaw a whole chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker. Cooking a frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and unsafe temperatures. For comprehensive information on safe thawing techniques, refer to the USDA’s The Big Thaw: Safe Defrosting Methods.
• Why is my chicken not crispy? Slow cookers create a moist cooking environment, which doesn’t naturally crisp skin. To achieve crispy skin, finish your cooked chicken under a hot broiler for a few minutes.
• What size slow cooker do I need? A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended for a 4-5 pound whole chicken. This size ensures there’s enough space for even cooking and proper lid fit.
• Can I make chicken broth from the drippings? Absolutely! The flavorful liquid at the bottom of your slow cooker is excellent for making homemade chicken broth. Simply strain it and store, or use it as a base for soups and sauces.
• How do I prevent chicken from drying out? The key is not to overcook. Always use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F. Using a rack also helps prevent it from sitting in too much liquid.
• Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time, as pieces like breasts or thighs will cook faster. This works well for a smaller-scale rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot.

Conclusion

There you have it – a perfectly tender, flavorful rotisserie chicken recipe for your crockpot that simplifies weeknight dinners. This hands-off approach guarantees juicy results every time, making it a beloved staple for busy cooks and beginners alike. Embrace the ease and versatility of this slow cooker wonder, and enjoy delicious, stress-free meals with your family. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

The Best Rotisserie Chicken Recipe for Your Crockpot

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to prepare a 'rotisserie-style' chicken in your crockpot with minimal effort and common seasonings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole whole chicken about 4-5 lbs., insides removed
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

• slow cooker
• aluminum foil
• onions or vegetables (for rack)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Whisk together paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then rub the seasoning mix generously over the chicken, including under the skin.

Cooking

1. Create a rack at the bottom of the slow cooker using aluminum foil balls or sliced vegetables. Place the chicken on the rack, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until it reaches 160°F.
2. Carefully remove the tender chicken from the slow cooker, discard the bones, and serve as desired.

Notes

Using aluminum foil or thickly-sliced vegetables creates a rack to keep the chicken from cooking in its juices. A small 3-quart slow cooker can be used, but ensure the chicken fits.