Print

Easy Tender Slow Cooker Whole30 Chicken Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep

slow cooker Whole30 chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, tender, and juicy slow cooker Whole30 chicken recipe perfect for meal prep and busy weeks. Uses basic pantry staples and delivers flavorful, clean eating.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (3-4 lbs / 1.4-1.8 kg), fresh or thawed
  • Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  • Garlic cloves (4, minced)
  • Onion powder (1 tsp)
  • Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
  • Dried thyme (1 tsp)
  • Sea salt (1 tsp)
  • Black pepper (½ tsp)
  • Chicken broth (1 cup / 240 ml)
  • Lemon juice (2 tbsp, fresh)
  • Optional fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary, 1-2 tbsp)

Instructions

  1. Remove the giblets if included, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended. (3 minutes)
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity and under the skin. (7 minutes)
  4. Place the chicken breast-side up into the slow cooker pot. Pour the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice around it, avoiding washing off the seasoning. (2 minutes)
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during the first 4 hours. (6-7 hours)
  6. Carefully transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing.
  7. Optional: For crispier skin, place shredded or whole pieces under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during the first 4 hours to maintain temperature. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better flavor absorption. Use fresh garlic if possible. For a crispier skin, broil after cooking. Adjust cooking time by 30 minutes for smaller or larger chickens. You can shred chicken using two forks or a stand mixer on low with paddle attachment. If broth is too thin, simmer on stovetop to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Whole30 chicken, slow cooker chicken, meal prep chicken, tender chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, slow cooker meal

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-tender-slow-cooker-whole30-chicken-recipe-for-perfect-meal-prep/