Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policies for details.
A simple and flavorful slow cooker rotisserie-style chicken. This easy recipe produces juicy, tender meat with a rich flavor that mimics rotisserie chicken, with minimal effort. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a go-to recipe when you want a hands-off approach with maximum flavor.
Serve this chicken hot with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. It’s also delicious shredded for sandwiches, tacos, or salads the next day.
If you love this recipe, check out more of my chicken recipes for easy family meals and slow cooker ideas.
How to Make Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken
This recipe uses a simple spice rub applied to the entire chicken, which cooks slowly in the slow cooker until tender. I use a standard slow cooker similar to this one for even cooking. You can lift the chicken on foil balls, half onions, or carrots if you prefer it slightly elevated above the juices for a crisper bottom. A few minutes under the broiler at the end adds a golden, crisp finish.
You can adjust the spices to taste. Swap rosemary for thyme, add a little smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Add lemon slices in the cavity for brightness.
Continue below for the full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken
Juicy meat, crispy skin, and classic flavors come together in this easy slow cooker chicken. Perfect for a quick family dinner.
Cook time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high).
Serves 4–6 people.
Fits low-carb, paleo, and gluten-free diets. Diary-free when not using butter.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 3 lb
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ lemon, sliced (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for broiling)
- Optional: 2–3 large carrot sticks, half onions, or foil balls to lift chicken
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme/rosemary all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Optional: Place lemon slices inside the cavity.
- Optional: Place carrot sticks, half onions, or foil balls at the bottom of the slow cooker to lift the chicken. Place the chicken on top. Or place chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). A digital meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature.
- Remove chicken carefully. Pat the skin dry. Rub with butter or olive oil.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Let the chicken rest 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze
in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through, or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 45Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 376mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g
The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated. These figures should be considered estimates.
Browse the chicken recipe category for more easy meals using whole chicken, thighs, and breasts.
