Applewood Cider Slow Cooker Chicken

• Gluten free
• Paleo

• Meat

  • 1 6] lb whole chicken, whole

• Produce

  • 2 cloves Garlic

• Baking & Spices

  • 2 tbsp Applewood rub plus add'l
  • 1/4 cup Salt

• Drinks

  • 5 cups Apple cider

• Dairy

  • 4 tbsp Butter

Found on melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

Description

Ingredients

• 1 [6] lb whole chicken
• 5 cups apple cider, divided [or Apple juice]
• ¼ cup salt
• 2 Tbsp applewood rub plus addl for sprinkling [i.e. Grill Mates]
• 4 Tbsp softened butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

• The night before: Mix together 4 cups of apple cider or apple juice with ¼ cup of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves.
• Wash the chicken, removing the giblets, then pour the brine over the chicken and refrigerate. Turn occasionally.
• To prepare: Spray the inside of a 6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray and set on low. Remove the chicken from the brine, and pat dry.
• Mix together 2 tablespoons of applewood rub, two cloves of minced garlic and 4 tablespoons of butter. Rub all over the chicken. Loosen the skin around the breast and leg portions and tuck some of the mixture under the skin, too.
• Sprinkle the top with additional seasoning and center in your slow cooker.
• Pour 1 cup of apple cider or apple juice around the chicken and place the lid firmly on top.
• Cook on low for 6 hours then check for doneness. Depending on how your slow cooker cooks, and the size of the chicken, it may take a little longer likewise if smaller less cooking time.
• To crisp the skin, carefully move to a baking pan. Broil, in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
• Allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving
• Drizzle with the pan juices just before serving.