If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to impress, this slow-cooked whole chicken with a crispy, golden skin is a perfect choice. This recipe is both easy and flavorful, requiring minimal preparation but delivering maximum taste. The unique twist here is the final step of cooking the chicken with the lid off for an hour, which allows the skin to brown beautifully, creating a mouthwatering, crispy finish. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to create this delicious dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 Whole Chicken (about 1.5 – 2 kg)
- 175g Butter (softened)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Mixed Herbs (a sprinkle)
- 1 Chicken OXO Cube
- 200ml Boiling Water
For serving:
- Yorkshire Puddings (because why not? – thanks to my son for the suggestion!)
- Gravy (made using the juices from the chicken)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by prepping your whole chicken. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel, which will help the butter and seasonings stick better. Now, take the softened butter and place it inside the chicken’s cavity. This will add moisture and flavor as the chicken cooks slowly in the slow cooker.
2. Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken inside and out with a little salt, black pepper, and mixed herbs. Feel free to be generous with the herbs for extra flavor! I usually go with a blend of rosemary, thyme, and oregano, but you can choose your favorite seasoning mix.
3. Set up the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. It should fit snugly but comfortably. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 chicken OXO cube in 200ml of boiling water, then pour this mixture around the chicken in the slow cooker. This will infuse the chicken with savory flavors while it cooks.
4. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set the temperature to low, and cook for 6 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the chicken to become incredibly tender, with the meat easily pulling away from the bone.
5. Browning the Chicken:
After 6 hours, remove the lid, turn the slow cooker to high, and let the chicken cook for an additional hour. This will help the skin turn golden brown and crispy, adding that deliciously crunchy texture we all love.
6. Making Gravy:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside to rest. Use the leftover cooking juices to make a rich, flavorful gravy. To do this, simply pour the juices into a saucepan, bring them to a simmer, and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you’d like a thicker gravy, you can make a roux with some butter and flour or add a cornstarch slurry.
7. Serving:
Now for the fun part—serving! Carve the chicken into pieces and serve with the beautifully crispy skin on top. Pour the homemade gravy over the chicken, and don’t forget the Yorkshire puddings! Yes, I know, some might say they’re only for beef, but my son insists on having them with both chicken and beef—so, we’re going with it! Yorkshire puddings are the perfect way to soak up that rich gravy.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Tender Meat: The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken incredibly tender and juicy as it cooks at a low and slow temperature.
- Crispy Skin: The final hour with the lid off is crucial for achieving that perfect, crispy chicken skin, which contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat inside.
- Gravy Perfection: Using the chicken’s own juices for gravy means you’re not only saving time, but you’re also making the most out of all that delicious flavor.
Additional Tips:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions around the chicken for a one-pot meal. Just make sure they’re cut into chunks to cook evenly.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken, it’s great for making sandwiches or adding to salads and wraps the next day.
This recipe makes a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends with a deliciously juicy roast chicken, this slow-cooked whole chicken with crispy skin will become your new go-to dish. And don’t forget the Yorkshire puddings—sometimes, a little tradition goes a long way in making the meal even more special!