Slow-Cooker Chicken Dinner

Cook time = 4-5 hours (20 minutes active time)

I love a roast chicken dinner with all the veggies, potatoes, and gravy— it’s like a food hug. But it’s hard to make for a weeknight dinner due to the long cook time. Enter the slow-cooker version! It’s tender and juicy, and you can always throw it under the broiler right before serving if you want that crispy skin.

Don’t skip the gravy— it’s the best part!

For Dietary Restrictions

• Gluten free: Omit gravy or use cornstarch to thicken (dissolve 2 Tbsp in cold water first, then add to boiling broth).

• Dairy free: This dish is dairy-free.

Kids Can Help

• Peel carrots, wash potatoes & celery, sprinkle spices

Ingredients

1 5-6 lb whole chicken
1 onion
4 carrots
4 ribs of celery
24 oz bag baby potatoes
1 head of garlic
Half a lemon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp ground thyme

For the gravy (optional):
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour

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Directions

Step 1

Place the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. 

Step 2

If there is a bag of innards in the cavity of the chicken, remove it and discard; rinse and drain the chicken and pat dry with paper towels, then place in the slow-cooker on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the chicken with the spices and salt. 

Step 3

Leaving the head of garlic unpeeled, cut it in half horizontally and place it and the lemon half (or both halves, if you like a lot of lemon!) into the cavity of the chicken.

Step 4

Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken registers at least 165° F in the thickest part of the leg. You can serve the chicken and vegetables as is, or follow step 5 to make a gravy.

Step 5

In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once butter has totally melted, add flour and whisk to combine. Allow the mixture (called a roux) to bubble while stirring gently for a couple of minutes, then slowly add the (hot!) broth to the roux while mixing quickly to prevent lumps. (Don’t add cold liquid to a roux– it doesn’t work very well!) Cook, continuing to stir until thick. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.