Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: Remove any giblets from the chicken’s cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up in the slow cooker.
2. Season the chicken:
   • Drizzle the olive oil (or melted butter) over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
   • Generously rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, making sure to coat both the outside and the inside cavity of the chicken.
3. Stuff the chicken:
   • Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves, onion, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs (if using). The lemon will add flavor and moisture, while the onion and garlic provide a fragrant base.
4. Prepare the slow cooker:
   • If desired, place a layer of onions or garlic cloves on the bottom of the slow cooker to keep the chicken elevated, which helps with even cooking. You can also add a cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the slow cooker to help the chicken cook more evenly and keep it moist, though this is optional as the chicken will release its own juices.
5. Cook the chicken:
   • Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast or thigh.
   • The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and falling off the bone.
6. Optional: Crisp the skin (if you like crispy skin):
   • For crispy skin, you can place the cooked chicken under the broiler in your oven for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn, but the skin should crisp up nicely.
7. Serve:
   • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Tips:

• Add Vegetables: You can place vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery around the chicken in the slow cooker for an easy one-pot meal.
• Leftovers: The leftover chicken can be used for soups, salads, sandwiches, or tacos. You can also use the bones to make homemade chicken broth.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs based on your preferences. Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper for heat, or lemon zest for an extra citrus kick.

This recipe is a simple, hands-off way to create a juicy, flavorful rotisserie-style chicken at home without the hassle of roasting in the oven!