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#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Removing the excess moisture helps the skin crisp up slightly, even in the slow cooker. Trim off any excess fat or leftover feathers from the chicken. You can also remove the giblets if they are included inside the cavity.
#### Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken all over with **olive oil** to help the spices stick to the skin. In a small bowl, combine the **paprika**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **thyme**, **rosemary**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Sprinkle the spice mixture generously all over the chicken, making sure to coat the entire surface, including inside the cavity.
#### Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil at the bottom of your slow cooker to help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom. If you have a **whole chicken rack**, you can use it to elevate the chicken, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.
Pour about **1 cup of chicken broth** (or water) into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help keep the chicken moist while it cooks. It’s not required to cover the chicken in liquid, but the broth will also provide extra flavor if you want to use it for gravy or sauces later.
If you’re looking for even crispier skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for **5-10 minutes** after slow cooking it. This will give the skin a golden, crispy finish, much like traditional rotisserie chicken.
You can serve the chicken as is with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Alternatively, shred the chicken for tacos, sandwiches, soups, or salads.
– **Choose the Right Size Chicken**: A **3-4 pound chicken** is ideal for the slow cooker, but you can adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller chickens.
– **Moisture Matters**: If you prefer a bit of moisture to drip down the chicken while cooking, you can add a little broth or water at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will prevent the chicken from drying out, but the skin may not get quite as crispy without it.
– **Experiment with Spices**: Feel free to play with the seasoning. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more aromatic experience.
– **Save the Drippings**: The liquid left in the slow cooker after cooking can be turned into a delicious gravy by thickening it with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
### Why Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Is a Game-Changer
Whether you’re cooking for one, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this **slow cooker rotisserie chicken** will soon become your go-to recipe. It’s quick, simple, and versatile, allowing you to enjoy the savory goodness of rotisserie chicken without even leaving your home!