Whole Roast Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper

Method

1. Mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper into a paste.
2. Rub the paste all over the chicken.
3. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves and a couple of garlic cloves.
4. Place the quartered onion and remaining garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Sit the chicken on top (breast-side up).
6. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the juices run clear and the meat is falling off the bone.
7. For crispy skin, transfer to a baking tray and grill for 5-10 minutes at the end (optional).

Tips

Save the carcass and juices to make stock. Chuck it back in the slow cooker with water, a carrot, celery, and an onion — cook on LOW for 8 hours for amazing homemade stock.