Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken
Ingredients
1 – 4 pounds Just BARE Young Whole Chicken
4 carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
1 medium sweet onion, chopped into large chunks
For the rub:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, 1/2 juiced and 1/2 quartered
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 garlic cloves, 3 minced and 1 cut in half
2 bay leaves
For the jeweled rice:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup vermicelli
1 cup basmati, jasmine or white rice of you choice {water according to package}
2 carrots, peeled, diced
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Directions
For the whole chicken:
In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil and lemon juice. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl combine the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, thyme, cayenne pepper, and the 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir to combine everything.
Remove the Just BARE Young Whole Chicken from the bag and set it on a large cutting board. Use paper towel to dry the chicken off so the rub sticks to it.
Use a brush or your hands to rub the olive oil/lemon mixture on the entire chicken. Use your hands to rub the spice mixture over the entire chicken and on the side of the chicken.
Place the remaining lemon quarters, 1 garlic clove that is cut in half and the 2 bay leaves on the inside of the chicken.
In the slow cooker place the carrots, celery and onion in an even layer. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone or reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
For the jeweled rice:
In a large pan heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the vermicelli and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vermicelli is turning golden brown.
Add the rice, water according to the package, carrots and dried fruit of your choice.
Cook the rice mixture according to package. Once the rice is done fluff the rice and serve alongside the chicken.
