Whole “Roast” Spice-Rubbed Chicken
Serves 4
Cooking Time 4 to 5 hours on Low
Slow Cooker Size 5½ to 7 Quarts
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: Inspired by the success of our Whole “Roast” Pesto Chicken, we wanted to create a version with a fragrant, warm spice rub. To make the spice
blend, we combined garam masala, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. But when
we simply rubbed the chicken with the spice mixture, we were disappointed with the
results. The meat had weak flavor at best, and, even after hours in the slow cooker,
the spices had a raw, harsh flavor. We found that the solution was to microwave the
spices with a little oil to bloom their flavors before rubbing them onto the chicken.
Now our chicken was moist and juicy and had the bold, warmly spiced flavor we were
hoping for. Note that garam masala is a boldly flavored spice blend; its potency will
vary from brand to brand. Check the temperature of the chicken after 4 hours of cooking
and continue to monitor until breast registers 160 degrees and thighs register 175
degrees. You will need an oval slow cooker for this recipe. See the sidebar that follows the recipe.
|
2 |
tablespoons vegetable oil |
|
1 |
tablespoon chili powder |
|
1 |
tablespoon garam masala |
|
1 |
tablespoon minced garlic |
|
|
Salt and pepper |
|
1 |
(4½- to 5-pound) whole chicken, giblets discarded |
1. Microwave oil, chili powder, garam masala, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper in bowl, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute; let cool slightly.
2. Use your fingers to gently loosen skin covering breast and thighs of chicken; place half of paste under skin, directly on meat of breast and thighs. Gently press on skin to distribute paste over meat. Spread entire exterior surface of chicken with remaining paste and place chicken, breast side down, in slow cooker. Cover and cook until breast registers 160 degrees and thighs register 175 degrees, 4 to 5 hours on low.
3. Transfer chicken to carving board, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 15 minutes. Carve chicken, discarding skin if desired. Serve.