Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
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I recently stumbled upon a clever way to make rotisserie-style chicken in the crock pot, and I just had to give it a try. The original recipe came from Recipezaar, and since I’m a big fan of rotisserie chicken, I figured it was worth testing out. The slow cooker method made the chicken incredibly tender and juicy—but as expected, the chicken skin didn’t crisp up during the cooking process.
To fix that, I carefully transferred the chicken to a baking dish (it was practically falling apart!) and popped it under the broiler for a few minutes. That quick blast of heat gave the skin the crispier skin finish I was craving, and it made all the difference in texture and flavor. I loved how easy and hands-off this method was—perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade meal.
That said, I found the seasoning a little underwhelming. The seasoned salt alone didn’t give the chicken quite enough flavor for my taste. Next time, I plan to tuck a small onion inside the cavity and add a mix of spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil to amp things up. It’s such a versatile recipe, and I’m excited to keep experimenting with different flavor combos!
Ingredients for Rotisserie-Style Slow COoker Chicken
- WHOLE CHICKEN
- OLIVE OIL FLAVORED COOKING SPRAY
- SEASONING SALT
Instructions for CrockPot Rotisserie Chicken
Prep the Crock Pot Base – Start by making 4 to 5 loose balls of aluminum foil and placing them in the bottom of your crock pot. These act as a makeshift roasting rack, keeping the chicken elevated so it doesn’t sit in its juices and get soggy.
Clean and Season the Chicken – Rinse the chicken thoroughly inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels. Spray the entire bird with olive oil spray to help the seasoning stick and encourage browning. Generously sprinkle seasoned salt all over the chicken—don’t forget to season the cavity too!
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection – Place the chicken breast-side up on top of the foil balls in your crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of your chicken and your crock pot’s heat level. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, with juices running clear.
Crisp the Skin Under the Broiler – Carefully transfer the chicken to a baking dish (it may be falling apart, so use tongs and a spatula for support). Place it under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes—just until the skin turns golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the chicken on low instead of high?
Yes, you can! Cooking on low will take about 7–8 hours, depending on the size of your chicken and your slow cooker’s heat level. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
Will the skin get crispy in the crock pot?
Not on its own. The crock pot creates a moist cooking environment, which is great for tenderness but not for crisping. To get that golden, crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and broil it for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.
Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Seasoned salt is a great base, but feel free to customize with your spice blend. Try a mix of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, or even a Cajun blend for a spicy twist. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like onion, lemon, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Can I use a frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the crock pot. Cooking frozen poultry in a slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety issues.
What can I do with the leftover chicken?
So many options! Shred it for tacos, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles for easy dinners. You can also save the bones to make a flavorful homemade chicken broth.
Do I need to clean the chicken before cooking?
Yes, give it a quick rinse and pat it dry. This helps the seasoning stick and improves texture. Just be sure to sanitize your sink and hands afterward to avoid cross-contamination.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Roasted Chicken with Peach Glaze
- Lemon Roasted Chicken
- Citrus Garlic Roasted Chicken
- Baked Swiss Chicken
Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 whole roasting chicken
- olive oil flavored cooking spray
- seasoning salt to taste (Use what spices you like, the season salt wasn’t enough for me to flavor the chicken)
Instructions
- Make 4 or 5 loose balls of aluminum foil and place in bottom of crock pot.
- Clean chicken inside and out. Spray with olive oil spray. Sprinkle generously inside and out with seasoned salt.
- Put chicken back-side down in crock pot (on top of foil balls). Cook on high 4-6 hours. Transfer chicken to a baking dish and place under your broiler for a few minutes until the skin looks nice and crispy.
