Imagine a chicken so tender it falls apart with the gentlest touch, infused with bright, zesty lemon and aromatic herbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This Amazing Crock Pot Roasted Lemon Chicken is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a crispy skin when cooked.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning paste.
- Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, making sure to cover both the outside and the inside cavity. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Take the lemons and slice them into thin rounds. Set aside a few slices for garnish later.
- Place the quartered onion at the bottom of the crock pot. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken to sit on and prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the sliced lemons and any remaining garlic from the seasoning mixture. This will add moisture and flavor from the inside out.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions in the crock pot, breast side up. Make sure it is positioned securely and is not touching the sides of the pot.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. The low and slow cooking method will result in tender, juicy chicken.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve the chicken garnished with the reserved lemon slices and any juices from the crock pot. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden skin and better herb adherence.
- Don't rush the cooking process—low and slow is the secret to incredibly tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
- Use fresh herbs if possible, as they provide more intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
- For extra lemony goodness, consider adding some lemon zest to your seasoning mixture.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
