Okay, over here on day 26 of Whole30. You guys, DAY TWENTY FREAKING SIX! And I’m feeling pretty amazing. My energy levels are up, my need for coffee is down. I’m sleeping like a rock, finding myself more patient and clear headed. Basically, I’m a nicer, happier person. Ha! I’m heading to Denver this Friday for my annual girl’s weekend and I am looking forward to a nice glass(es) of wine!
This Whole30 go around has been a lot more fun and a big part of that is that I have gotten better at meal prep, leftovers and meal variety. One of the meals that has helped tremendously is this delicious slow cooker chicken. This is my fourth time making it in 26 days, so that says something! It’s SO easy, more than enough for leftovers (chicken salad, buffalo chicken, salad toppings) and I save the bones to make broth. Win, win, win.
I stumbled on this recipe while using Real Plans meal planning site. The site works to help you quickly create a wonderfully delicious menu for the week, as well upload the necessary grocery list. You can use specific filters such as Whole30, Paleo, dairy-free, gluten- free, and vegetarian to make it even more helpful.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 6-8 lb Whole chicken
- 5 Heads garlic (do yourself a favor a purchase the pre peeled cloves)
- 6 Lemons – cut lemons in half
- 1/4 cup 1Coconut oil- melted or softened
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 Bunches of rosemary
Instructions
- Bust out your slow cooker! I got this baby for my birthday and it's pretty spectacular- it has a browning feature that's changed my life (nope, not dramatic at all).
- Remove chicken from package, remove giblet bag from chicken cavity, rinse well, and pat dry. Save giblets in the fridge for making stock.
- Separate and peel the garlic cloves (like I said, do yourself a favor and get the pre-peeled cloves)
- Place handful of gloves, 1-3 lemon halves (whatever will fit) and sprig of rosemary inside the cavity of the chicken. Tie chicken legs in order to keep items in side.
- Soften coconut oil, if solid. If your chicken is not at room temp (like mine) the oil will harden once on the chicken. No worries, it's still all good! Rub the softened oil over chicken skin.
- Sprinkle generously with sea salt and pepper.
- Place remaining garlic, rosemary and lemons on the bottom of the slow cooker and then carefully place the chicken on top.
- Set the cooker to low for 6 hours.
- Enjoy the delicious smells wafting from your kitchen.
- When the timer goes off, carefully remove the chicken and all the fixin's and place into a baking dish. Broil in the oven to crisp up the skin, about 5-7 minutes (keep an eye on it).
- Ta-da! Be amazed and enjoy at the fact that you just cooked an entire chicken! Enjoy!
PS This pairs well with a cauliflower mash and some string beans!
