Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

Few foods come in handy more than the trusty rotisserie chicken. A few years back, you could regularly find me at the poultry section of Costco or my local grocery store, trying desperately to find the best rotisserie chicken. The quality was hit-or-miss and I knew I could make a better version if I put my mind to it.

Since rotisserie chickens are a fan favorite in this house, I knew I needed to finally come up with my own recipe and stop buying mediocre chicken from the store. This Slow-Cooker Rotisserie Chicken recipe is juicy, tender, and dripping with tantalizing flavors.

This dish has quickly become my go-to for just about any dish I need some lean protein for. From soups and stews to pasta dishes and even wraps, this delicious chicken has a place in any dish. I season it with flavorful spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to guarantee delectable results.

One of the best things about this rotisserie chicken recipe is that you can alter it to suit your palate. In the mood for some heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper. Looking for something rich and cozy? Rub the chicken with melted butter. Want to brighten up the dish? Garnish it with fresh parsley. The options are endless! Once you’ve tried this Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken, you’ll never go back to the store-bought ones.

Key Ingredients

To prepare this rotisserie chicken recipe, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Whole chicken. This recipe calls for an entire chicken with the neck and giblets removed. Check first to make sure your chicken fits nicely in your slow-cooker without rubbing up against the lid.
• Seasonings. I like to use a combination of chili powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper as my spice rub. Feel free to mix and match the spices as you see fit.
• Lemon. This serves a dual purpose for our chicken recipe. The juice of the lemon mixes with our spice rub to brighten up the dish and enhance the flavors, while the lemon itself is stuffed inside the chicken to tenderize it from the inside out.
• Brown sugar. This one is optional, but a little sugar can go a long way in enhancing the wonderful flavors of this dish and achieving that stunning golden-brown exterior.

Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Recipe Tips

Ready to make the best rotisserie chicken ever? Here are some of my top tips to help you make that happen:

• Add some veggies. For added flavor and to make a full meal all at once, try adding some carrots, onions, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Set the chicken on top and continue the recipe as instructed.
• Fresh vs frozen. I prefer to start with fresh chicken for the sake of ease, but frozen will work just fine. For best results, I recommend letting the chicken thaw in the fridge for 24-48 hours prior to cooking. Do not make this recipe with a frozen chicken that hasn't been thawed.
• Switch up the spices. Play around with the seasoning to create the perfect spice rub for you. Already have one in mind? Go for it! Cajun, blackening, and Herbes de Provence all work great with this recipe. Other favorites include rosemary and garlic, jerk seasoning, and a classic poultry seasoning with sage. Also, you can add fresh lemon, whole garlic heads, and fresh herbs to the chicken cavity to boost the flavor.
• To prevent the chicken from burning or sticking to the bottom of your crockpot you will want to make 3 to 5 balls of tin foil for the bottom. You can also use 3-5 small potatoes you can also wrap them in the tinfoil and place those in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then you have a side dish as well.

Ways to Use Rotisserie Chicken

There are plenty of easy ways to transform rotisserie chicken into an unforgettable meal. You can serve it alongside potatoes, rice, or pasta, and some vegetables. You could also add it to tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Really, the sky's the limit here. Rotisserie chicken can do it all!

Here are some of my favorite ways to use rotisserie chicken:

• Soup. With the cold setting in, this pairing is one that guarantees to keep you cozy. Try adding your chicken to my Black Bean Soup or this Chicken Bean Soup for a super satisfying dish.
• Slow-roasted vegetables. Adding some carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions to the cooker is the ultimate way to make an easy one-pot slow cooker meal. Sounds like comfort food to me! Oven roasted vegetables are also a tasty choice,
• Tacos. An absolute treat during game nights; use my Baked Crispy Taco Shells as a base to create some mouth-watering tacos. Just add your chicken, along with black beans, pico de gallo, and fresh avocado. Yum! It also makes a delicious Rotisserie Chicken Taco Bowl.
• Mashed veggies. Arguably one of the most beloved side dishes for chicken, mashed veggies hold a special place in my heart. They’re creamy, delectable, and perfect for scooping up with chicken. Try pairing this dish with my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash or Butternut Squash Mash.

How to Store This Dish

This dish is honestly the gift that keeps giving. After preparing this healthy chicken recipe, you’re sure to be left with some delicious leftovers that you can enjoy throughout the week. Once the meat has cooled to room temperature, you can transfer it safely to an airtight storage bag or container. Then, store your leftover chicken in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3-4 months.