Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Instructions

1. 1
   In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp pepper, 2 tsp sweet paprika, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter into a paste.
2. 2
   Pat a 4 to 5 lb whole chicken very dry. Loosen breast skin with your fingers and rub some paste underneath. Rub remaining paste all over the chicken and inside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves.
3. 3
   Add onion wedges and smashed garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
4. 4
   Place the chicken breast side up on the onions. Cover and cook on High 4 to 5 hours or Low 7 to 8 hours, until the thigh registers 165 F.
5. 5
   Transfer chicken to a foil-lined sheet pan and broil 3 to 6 minutes until the skin is crisp and browned. Rest 10 minutes.
6. 6
   Strain the drippings. Serve as is or simmer with a cornstarch slurry to thicken into gravy. Carve chicken, garnish with parsley, and enjoy.