Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most irresistible aroma of perfectly roasted chicken, infused with golden garlic and herbs, without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This Garlic Roasted Chicken Crockpot recipe is your ultimate solution to a hassle-free, restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With just minutes of prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll transform a simple whole chicken into a tender, flavor-packed masterpiece that's guaranteed to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 6 cloves garlic, whole
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the giblets from inside the chicken cavity and pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Peel the garlic cloves and crush them lightly to release their aromatic oils. This will help infuse the chicken with rich garlic flavor during slow cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful herb rub. Gently massage this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with quartered lemon pieces and whole garlic cloves. The lemon will add brightness and help tenderize the meat from the inside.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot, positioning it breast-side up to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to slowly roast and develop deep, rich flavors.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat tender.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve hot, spooning some of the cooking juices over the carved chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
Tips
- • Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure the most crispy and flavorful skin possible. • Don't rush the cooking process - slow cooking is key to developing deep, rich flavors and keeping the meat incredibly tender. • Use fresh garlic cloves for the most robust flavor profile. • If you want extra crispy skin, the optional broiling step is a game-changer. • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. • Let the chicken rest after cooking to help redistribute the juices and maintain maximum moisture. • For added variety, experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or sage alongside the thyme. • Choose a high-quality, fresh whole chicken for the best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 53g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 150mg
