Easy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

Welcome to a cozy culinary adventure! Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming dish that will make your kitchen smell divine and keep your family satisfied.

This Easy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you want something comforting and hearty. Trust me, it’s as easy as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) – about 1/3 cup when finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or more if you love garlic!)
• Zest and juice of 1 whole lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste (about 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper)
• 2 large carrots, cut up
• 1 whole onion, cut up
• 2 stalks of celery, cut up
• 5-6 medium-sized potatoes (gold or red), cut up

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, let’s get that chicken ready for seasoning! Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the flesh of the chicken. Focus on the chest area and legs.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mixture

Now, let’s whip up a delicious seasoning blend.

In a bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), softened butter, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Take some of the seasoning mixture and rub it under the skin of the chicken, making sure to cover the breast and thigh areas well. Then, rub the remaining seasoning all over the outside of the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

Next, let’s prepare our vegetables. Chop up the carrots, onion, celery, and potatoes. Toss them into the slow cooker and add a bit of the seasoning mixture to them as well. Mix everything together so the veggies are nicely coated.

Step 5: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Now, it’s time to assemble! Level out the vegetables in the slow cooker and place the seasoned chicken right on top. Pour any leftover seasoning mixture over the chicken and add a few fresh bay leaves for extra flavor.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic for about 6 hours. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 7: Optional Broiling for Color

Once the cooking time is up, you can give the chicken a nice golden brown color by placing it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. This step is optional, but it makes the chicken look even more appetizing!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

After broiling, your chicken should be beautifully roasted and ready to serve. The meat will be tender, and it can easily be shredded and mixed with the delicious juices and vegetables. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!

So there you have it! A simple, hearty slow cooker chicken and vegetables recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!