Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, approx 4-5 lbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved (juice from one half, slices from the other)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
Instructions:
- Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and celery at the bottom of the crockpot to create a natural roasting rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice from half a lemon, and all spices.
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure optimal skin texture.
- Rub the spice mixture under the skin of the breast and all over the exterior of the chicken until evenly coated.
- Stuff the lemon slices and smashed garlic inside the chicken cavity.
- Carefully set the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetable bed.
- Pour the bone broth around the sides of the chicken, being careful not to pour over the rub.
- Cover and cook in the slow cooker for 6 hours until the meat is tender and slides off the bone.
- Carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and finish under high heat (broiler) for a few minutes until the exterior is mahogany-colored and crisp.