Amazing Forgotten Chicken
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 4–6 bone-in chicken pieces
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
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1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
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1 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) if baking.
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
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Rub olive oil or butter all over the chicken.
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Season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs.
2. “Forget” the Chicken
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Place the chicken in a slow cooker or a deep roasting pan.
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Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom to keep it moist.
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Cover with a lid or foil.
3. Slow Cook or Bake
Slow Cooker:
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Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Oven:
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Bake covered for 2–3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
4. Finish (Optional)
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For a crispy skin, remove the lid or foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking or use the broiler for 3–5 minutes.
5. Serve
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Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
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Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Tips
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Flavor boost: Add quartered onions, garlic cloves, or lemon slices under the chicken for extra aroma.
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Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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Make it a one-pot meal: Add potatoes, carrots, and celery around the chicken before cooking. They will cook in the juices and come out flavorful.
If you want, I can also give a “Forgotten Chicken with Creamy Garlic Gravy” version that turns this into a full comfort meal with minimal extra effort. Do you want me to do that?