Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken : This slow cooker rotisserie chicken consists of tender, juicy chicken with mouthwatering spices for a cozy family dinner or meal-prep for the week.
Why Make Rotisserie Chicken in a Crockpot?
Traditional rotisserie chicken requires special equipment, but the slow-cooker makes it accessible to everyone. Cooking the chicken low and slow locks in moisture and infuses the meat with spices, while the skin crisps up beautifully under the broiler (optional, but recommended). The result? A homemade, healthier alternative to store-bought rotisserie chicken without the preservatives or added sodium.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken
- Choose the Right Size: A 3–5 pound chicken fits most crockpots perfectly. Larger chickens may not cook evenly.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—overcooking can make the meat mushy.
- Elevate the Chicken: The foil balls or rack prevent the chicken from getting soggy and help mimic a true rotisserie effect.
- Spices Matter: Don’t skimp on seasoning. You can experiment with your own spice blends, but smoked paprika and garlic powder are non-negotiables for that classic rotisserie flavor.
Variations
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley with a lemon-garlic butter rub.
- Spicy Rotisserie Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a kick.
- BBQ Rotisserie Chicken: Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a smoky-sweet glaze.
- Asian-Inspired: Replace traditional spices with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and stuff the cavity with green onions.
How to Serve Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken
This versatile dish can be served in countless ways:
- Classic Dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Chicken Salad: Shred the meat for sandwiches or wraps.
- Soup or Broth: Use the bones to make a rich, homemade chicken stock.
- Tacos or Bowls: Incorporate shredded chicken into tacos, burrito bowls, or quesadillas.
How to Store and Reheat Rotisserie Chicken
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Shred the meat and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer bags to save space.
Reheating
- Oven: Place chicken in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth and heat at 350°F until warm.
- Microwave: Cover and reheat in 30-second intervals to avoid drying out.
- Skillet: Heat shredded chicken with a bit of oil or butter for a quick refresh.
Recipe FAQs
Can I cook a frozen chicken in the crockpot?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast and thighs without touching the bone.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but boneless chicken cooks faster and won’t achieve the same rich flavor or presentation.
What can I do with leftover rotisserie chicken?
Leftovers are great for soups, casseroles, stir-fries, salads, and sandwiches. You can even use the bones to make chicken stock.
Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken
Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken : This slow cooker rotisserie chicken consists of tender, juicy chicken with mouthwatering spices for a cozy family dinner or meal-prep for the week.
Ingredients
- 4–5 lb whole chicken (innards removed)
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ Tbsp chili powder
- ½ Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add 4 balls of aluminum foil to the bottom of your slow cooker to create a rack for the chicken.
- Remove the innards and pat the chicken dry inside and out.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, spices, and herbs. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat every part. - Place the chicken on the foil balls in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
- For extra crispy skin, preheat your broiler to HIGH. Transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and broil for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 463Trans Fat: 0g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making rotisserie chicken in a crockpot is a simple, fuss-free way to enjoy a family favorite at home. With endless seasoning options and serving ideas, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today, and you’ll never look at store-bought rotisserie chicken the same way again!
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