Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken is a deliciously fragrant dish that transforms a simple whole chicken into a tender, flavorful meal. Infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or hosting guests. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy juicy chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Experience the comforting embrace of this culinary classic in just a few easy steps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
- 2 fresh lemons
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Zest one lemon and juice both lemons.
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry.
- Season generously: Rub olive oil over the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, garlic cloves, lemon halves, and herbs.
- Set up your slow cooker: Place the chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker, pouring any leftover lemon juice over it.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender.
- Finish strong: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving, drizzling drippings on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the whole chicken (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. - Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a complete one-pot meal. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.