Easy Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken: Juicy, Tender & Delicious Homemade Recipe

Just one look at the picture above, and you can almost feel the incredible juiciness of this chicken. It’s not just tender; it’s so tender that it practically falls off the bone, making carving a breeze and eating an absolute delight. The magic lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the chicken to gently simmer in a savory marinade, infusing every fiber with flavor and moisture. Forget dry, bland chicken – this recipe guarantees a ridiculously juicy and flavorful result every single time. Here’s everything you need to know to create this culinary marvel in your slow cooker:

EASY Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken Recipe:

Printable Recipe HERE
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-lb) whole uncooked chicken (ensure giblets and neck are removed)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is recommended)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (also opt for low sodium if preferred)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

These simple ingredients combine to create a balanced marinade that delivers savory, sweet, and tangy notes, penetrating deep into the chicken meat during the long cooking process. Each component plays a crucial role in tenderizing and flavoring, making this recipe a standout for its depth of taste.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the whole uncooked chicken under cool running water. Carefully reach into the inner cavity and remove any giblets or the neck, setting them aside for stock if desired, or discarding them. Once rinsed, pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps any seasonings adhere better and can contribute to a slightly crisper skin (if you choose to broil it at the end). Next, gently peel back (or completely remove, according to your preference) the skin over the breast area. This allows the marinade to directly penetrate the breast meat, ensuring it stays extra juicy. Carefully place the prepared chicken inside your slow cooker.
2. Whisk the Flavorful Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and the honey has fully dissolved. This creates a powerful flavor base that will infuse your chicken with incredible taste. Once mixed, carefully pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring it coats as much of the chicken as possible.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. You have two cooking options:
   • On LOW: Cook for approximately 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat is ideal for achieving maximum tenderness and allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
   • On HIGH: Cook for approximately 4 hours. This option is perfect when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, tender chicken.

   Throughout the cooking process, if you have the opportunity, we highly recommend checking back every so often (perhaps once or twice) and basting the chicken with the juices accumulated at the bottom of the pot. This helps keep the skin moist and distributes the flavors even more effectively. The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear.

Once your slow cooker rotisserie chicken is finished cooking, get ready for a truly effortless carving experience. The meat will be incredibly tender – so much so that it practically falls off the bone with just a fork. You can easily shred the chicken for sandwiches, tacos, or salads, or simply cut it into larger pieces to serve as a traditional main course.

Our family absolutely loves this slow cooker chicken served alongside fluffy jasmine rice and vibrant, steamed broccoli. The simplicity of these sides perfectly complements the rich flavors of the chicken. However, its versatility means it pairs wonderfully with nearly any side dish you can imagine: roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, a fresh garden salad, green beans almondine, or even a side of quinoa. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your accompaniments!

One of the best things about this recipe, beyond its incredible taste, is how well the leftovers keep. Any extra chicken freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Simply portion out the shredded or cut chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-use protein for future meals. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Why Choose Slow Cooking for Your Whole Chicken?

Slow cooking offers numerous advantages, especially when preparing a whole chicken. Beyond the “set it and forget it” convenience, it excels at producing incredibly moist and tender results. The consistent, low heat prevents the chicken from drying out, even over long periods, and helps break down connective tissues, leading to that coveted “fall-off-the-bone” texture. Furthermore, slow cooking allows the flavors from your marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a richer, more uniform taste. It’s also an energy-efficient way to cook, and keeps your kitchen cool, making it ideal for warmer months or when your oven is occupied.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your chicken fits comfortably in your slow cooker without touching the lid too much. A 5-lb chicken usually fits perfectly in a 6-quart oval slow cooker.
• Basting is Key: While not strictly necessary, basting the chicken with the accumulated juices during the last hour or two of cooking can enhance flavor and moisture, giving the skin a lovely sheen.
• Crispy Skin (Optional): If you prefer crispy skin, you can transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for 5-10 minutes (watch carefully!) after removing it from the slow cooker.
• Rest Your Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
• Utilize the Juices: The flavorful juices left in the slow cooker can be strained and used as a delicious gravy base or saved for future soups and stocks.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to transform a simple whole chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort? We highly encourage you to give this easy slow cooker rotisserie chicken recipe a try. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to enjoy flavorful, tender chicken without the fuss.

If you do try it, please come back and let us know your thoughts in the comments! We love hearing about your cooking successes and how you enjoyed our recipes.