Slow-cooker chicken with herbs is an incredibly convenient and flavorful dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With the right blend of fresh herbs and a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s delicious and easy to prepare.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of baked chicken, this easy slow cooker recipe is a must-try. With minimal prep work, you can enjoy a flavorful chicken dinner that practically cooks itself, complete with delicious au jus.
Essential Equipment
The only special equipment required for this recipe is a large slow cooker. Using one that allows you to set a finish time to prevent overcooking the chicken is recommended. If you’ll be away for the day, put the cooker on low for 8 hours. If you prefer your meal ready sooner, you can cook it on high for approximately 4.5 hours.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
This recipe uses a variety of fresh herbs, including rosemary, thyme, and oregano, for a delicious flavor infusion.
However, you can easily substitute dried herbs if you don’t have access to fresh ones. (The recipe lists the substitution amounts.)
Flavor Boosters: Butter, Garlic, and Parmesan Cheese
Adding butter on top of the chicken (or sliding it under the skin) adds extra flavor to this chicken. Minced garlic can also be included on the chicken, under the skin, or in the accompanying broth. For convenience, prepared minced garlic works well. And if you love the flavor of garlic, feel free to add extra to this chicken.
Moreover, don’t forget to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated kind; the difference in flavor is noticeable. If you have leftover cheese, you can incorporate it into various dishes, such as Chicken Cavatappi, which uses Parmesan cheese to make an Alfredo sauce.
The Art of Au Jus
Au jus, pronounced “o-zhoo,” is a French term meaning “with juice.” This refers to the natural juices that emerge while cooking meats like chicken. This recipe includes added chicken stock to create a flavorful au jus that keeps the chicken moist. Consider serving it in small bowls for dipping, as it’s a delicious addition to the meal!
Ideal Side Dishes for Slow-Cooker Chicken
This delicious chicken pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables such as zucchini or squash. It also complements pasta or rice. Serving a few tablespoons of au jus over your chosen starch creates an excellent light sauce, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy touch.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Slow-Cooker Chicken
Once you’ve savored your slow-cooked chicken, consider using the leftovers in various dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Taco Soup
- Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Cheesy Chicken Vegetable Soup
- White Chicken Chili
- Chicken Cavatappi
Slow-Cooker Chicken with Herbs
Equipment
- large slow cooker
Ingredients
- (1) 5-pound fresh whole chicken
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon minced from a jar)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (if using dried, 1/2 teaspoon)
- 4 sprigs fresh oregano (if using dried, 1 teaspoon)
- 4-5 stems fresh rosemary (if using dried, 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the wrapping off the chicken and discard any liquid. If there are giblets in the chicken cavity, remove and discard them.
- Place the chicken breast side up in the slow cooker. This is the traditional way to cook a chicken, but if you like a juicier breast, place the chicken in the slow cooker breast-side down.
- Add the chicken stock to fill the slow cooker halfway up the chicken.
- Scatter the butter on the chicken or place it underneath the skin.
- Salt and pepper the chicken.
- Place the garlic on top of the chicken.
- Scatter the herbs over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. (See note below for cooking on high.) The chicken should be tender and fall off the bones when finished.
- Preheat the oven to broil (high).
- Using large meat-lifting utensils, move the chicken to a baking pan. Broil for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Garnish with parsley for a pretty presentation. Sprinkle with extra grated parmesan if desired.