Whole Chicken with Vegetables Crock Pot Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Meal
Guide or Summary：Whole ChickenVegetablesCrock PotRecipeIngredients:Instructions:Benefits:Whole ChickenVegetablesCrock PotRecipeIngredients:- Whole chicken……
Guide or Summary：
Whole Chicken
Vegetables
Crock Pot
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- Carrots (4-5 medium, chopped)
- Potatoes (4-5 medium, chopped)
- Onions (2 medium, chopped)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Chicken broth (4 cups)
- Bay leaves (2)
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
Instructions:
1. **Preparation:** Start by thoroughly washing the whole chicken and patting it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and in the cavity.
2. **Vegetable Preparation:** While the chicken is seasoning, chop the carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly and season with salt and pepper.
3. **Crock Pot Assembly:** In the crock pot, place the bay leaves at the bottom. Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the bay leaves, followed by the seasoned vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is submerged.
4. **Cooking:** Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the chicken and the desired tenderness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
5. **Finishing Touches:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Skim any fat from the top of the broth and discard it. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
6. **Serving:** Carve the chicken and serve it with the vegetables and the flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners and can be easily customized with different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
Benefits:
This whole chicken and vegetable crock pot recipe offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it's a set-it-and-forget-it meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Secondly, it's a healthy and nutritious option, as it's cooked with minimal added fats and oils. Lastly, the combination of chicken and vegetables provides a balanced meal that's rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
In conclusion, this whole chicken and vegetable crock pot recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it's sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be to cook a whole chicken with vegetables in a crock pot.