Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to cook a whole frozen chicken in a slow cooker? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and tender frozen whole chicken in a Crockpot. Get ready to have your taste buds tantalized!
Slow Cooker Magic
Cooking frozen chicken in a Crockpot may seem daunting, but trust us, it’s easier than you think. We previously shared a recipe for Crockpot frozen chicken using breasts, which works great for shredded chicken tacos. But now, it’s time to take things to the next level and cook a whole frozen chicken!
The Journey Begins
When I first decided to attempt this recipe, I was skeptical. Would it turn out well or be an epic failure? To my delight, it was a resounding success! The chicken came out juicy and perfectly cooked, and the best part was that I could check on it as often as I wanted during the slow cooking process.
A Few Tips
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about some important tips. Firstly, it’s essential to choose the right slow cooker for this endeavor. I recommend a 6-quart programmable one with a locking lid. If you prefer serving appetizers, consider getting one that sits side by side. Also, I suggest skipping the use of liners and instead spraying olive oil inside for easier cleanup.
Now, let me share a recent addition to my kitchen arsenal. I purchased a beautiful Crockpot that matches my kitchen decor perfectly, so I proudly display it on my countertop. It’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing!
Cooking the Perfect Frozen Whole Chicken
For this recipe, I followed the same method I use for defrosted whole chickens because it always yields excellent results. One crucial thing to keep in mind is to avoid placing the chicken directly on the bottom of the Crockpot. Instead, use a few baked potatoes as a trivet, adding an extra tasty treat to enjoy with your meal.
I had russet potatoes on hand, but red potatoes would work just as well. They become tender and delicious, soaking up the chicken broth and drippings from the cooking process.
Now, let’s talk about seasonings. You can buy a dry rub or use your preferred combination, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you love. However, it’s best to add the seasonings halfway through the cooking process, as they won’t stick to the chicken if added at the beginning.
If you want to add crispy skin to your chicken, you can pop it under the broiler for a few minutes after it’s done. Just set your oven to broil on high, spray the chicken with olive oil, and broil until the skin turns golden brown.
The Step-by-Step Process
Now that you have an overview let’s go through the steps:
- Pour chicken broth into the Crockpot.
- Wash your preferred potatoes and place them in the center of the Crockpot, using them as a trivet. Season them with sea salt.
- Unwrap the frozen whole chicken. If the wrapper is stuck, run it under warm water for a minute to loosen it.
- Gently place the chicken in the Crockpot, on top of the potatoes, with the breast facing down if you won’t be broiling it at the end, or on top if you will.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours (adjust for larger chickens). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
- Halfway through the cooking process, open the lid and sprinkle your choice of seasonings on the chicken. Check the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F and that the meat is falling off the bone with clear juices.
- If you desire crispy skin, transfer the inner pot of the slow cooker to the oven and broil it on high for about 4 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing.
A Delicious Reward
I must share with you a little secret: I didn’t even bother transferring the chicken from the Crockpot to another dish before broiling it. The inner pot of the slow cooker is oven safe, so there’s no need for extra pans and the subsequent cleanup. If you’re not familiar with broiling, it works quickly, so keep a watchful eye to avoid burning the skin.
Cooking a whole frozen chicken in a Crockpot is truly the best way to achieve a deliciously tender result. It’s important to note that cooking it on high heat will only lead to disappointment, as the chicken will become dried out. Low and slow is the way to go. The cooking time for frozen chicken doesn’t differ significantly from that of thawed chicken, so you won’t be waiting much longer for your flavorful meal.
What’s Next?
So, are you ready to give this recipe a try? I highly recommend it, along with some of our other Crockpot chicken dishes. If you find yourself frequently faced with a frozen chicken conundrum but want to try baking it instead, check out our recipe for cooking a whole frozen chicken in the oven. We’d love to hear your thoughts and learn about your favorite side dishes to pair with this mouthwatering chicken.
Don’t Waste a Thing
And remember, if you can’t finish the whole chicken in one sitting, fear not! We have a variety of leftover chicken recipes that will make the most of your moist and flavorful leftovers. Let’s avoid wasting any of that deliciousness!
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