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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken is an easy, flavorful crockpot recipe made with a whole chicken, garlic, lemon, and herbs. This hands-off dish delivers juicy, fall-apart meat infused with zesty, savory flavor—perfect for weeknights or meal prep without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs), giblets removed
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Rub olive oil all over the chicken. Season with the spice mixture, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
  4. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, rosemary sprigs, and a few onion quarters.
  5. Place remaining onion quarters in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a base.
  6. Set the chicken on top of the onions, breast-side up.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3½–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  8. (Optional) For crispy skin, broil chicken on a baking sheet for 4–5 minutes.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • No additional liquid needed—the chicken creates its own juices.
  • Swap lemon for orange for a sweeter citrus note.
  • Add carrots or baby potatoes to the base for a full one-pot meal.
  • Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor twist before seasoning.
  • Leftovers are great for sandwiches, soups, or wraps.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/slow-cooker-lemon-garlic-roast-chicken/