Garlic Roasted Chicken
Garlic Roasted Chicken is a juicy, comforting dinner that feels fancy but is actually delightfully simple. This version uses butter, mashed garlic, and a slow cooker to create a rich garlic-infused sauce and tender meat that falls off the bone.
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 lb whole chicken cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tsp salt for seasoning inside and out
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground if possible
- 5 cloves garlic mashed smooth into a paste
- 1 tsp paprika for color and mild smoky flavor
- 1/4 lb butter sliced and chilled or room temperature
- 1/2 cup canned chicken broth poured around (not over) the chicken in the crock pot
Instructions
- Clean the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure the cavity is free of giblets. Dry skin helps flavor penetrate and reduces excess moisture.
- Season the chicken inside and out with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Rub the spices all over the skin and inside the cavity for even flavor.
- Prepare the garlic paste by smashing 5 cloves of garlic with a pinch of salt and a fork until smooth. Stuff the cavity with half of the garlic paste, spreading it inside to perfume the bird.
- Arrange the butter slices over and inside the chicken: tuck some slices under the skin if you can and place the rest inside the cavity.
- Pour 1/2 cup canned chicken broth around the chicken in the crock pot — do not pour it directly over the seasoned skin.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, resisting the temptation to lift the lid. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and juices run clear.
- Serve with the garlic-infused butter sauce from the pot spooned over the chicken. For a browned finish, place the cooked bird under a hot broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully so the skin doesn’t burn.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap butter for olive oil slices or use a smaller amount of butter mixed with olive oil. The dish will be lighter but still flavorful with the garlic paste and broth.