I love my crockpot.
My childhood memories are filled with the scents of pot roasts and onions and crockpot cooking welcoming me home from school in the afternoon. Savory soft carrots and potatoes infused with the flavors of garlic and pepper and slow simmered in a true roast gravy with onions.
{drool}
As an adult, I love the simplicity of it, the ability to toss ingredients into a gadget, walk away and come home to a delicious smelling house and a full meal that is produced almost effortlessly.
A couple of months ago, my crockpot bit the dust. I did what any self respecting blogger does and I hit up twitter and Facebook.
Y’all were very adamant —
The only crockpot is a REAL Crock-Pot
Y’all know when you get a new kitchen gadget how you feel bound and inspired and challenged and determined to use it to make your very next meal? What? Is it just me?
So — I pulled out one of the few things that I’ve never cooked in a crock-pot; a whole chicken and got to thinking.
I looked into my pantry to see what was on hand and I found a few of my staples:
Garlic, lemons, limes and onions. As an afterthought I grabbed the mandarins out of the fruit bowl and clipped some rosemary from my newly planted bush by the front door. (#win) and I sliced it all up
Doesn’t that look like an afternoon at a good beach club? Drink garnishes and the scent of rosemary and garlic — heaven.
Y’all — if you have a spot — plant some rosemary, it smells divine, grows easily and is pretty much a fabulous addition to about any dish.
Back to the crockpot.
Place the onion slices, slices of 1 lemon, 1 lime, 1 mandarin and a handful of garlic in the bottom of the crockpot
Stuff the chicken with a handful of garlic, slices of lemon, lime, mandarin and 1 rosemary branch
Place the whole chicken inside the crockpot and top with– rosemary and the rest of the garlic, lemons, limes, mandarins and some fresh cracked pepper.
Place on low and cook for 8 hours.
Resist the urge to remove the lid and dive in.
Resist the urge to remove the lid and swim in the aromas wafting from the crockpot.
Just. Resist.
Until the warmer light goes on — then, feel free to dive in to the piece of art that is this amazingly flavorful savory, tangy, sweet, moist chicken dish of awesome.
I warn you, the chicken falls of the bone.
When you go to remove this from the crockpot, it’s fall off the bone tender. With the exception of the bones and the rosemary branches, every single bit of this dish is edible.
My friend ate the limes without realizing they were limes, it is THAT good.
This dish is ridiculously easy, amazingly delicious and the smell. Holy hell y’all, the smell. You want to dive in and lick your crockpot.
okay, y’all — I feel the need to add a disclaimer here.. a few people have had this come out bitter and/or greasy
I don’t know why. I can only contribute it to the ripeness or lack thereof of their citrus. I’ve made this several times and have never had that problem. Most people who make this recipe have great success with it, but I’m just laying that out there. I don’t know if removing the rinds would help. When I have some time I’m going to try this with several different levels of *ripe* citrus and see if I can replicate the issues….. just a heads up, y’all (3/1/12)
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I love seeing what y’all are linking up and feeding your family and friends.
Thank you for sharing the link love, commenting and linking back — <3
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Cherie - Oh my Rachel, it is WAY pasted dinner time here and you are making me hungry as always!
Cherie
Sarah - YUM. I may try this.
(Also, y’know I am not much of a cook – but I love to infuse olive oil with rosemary – makes for yummy dipping… and even just a pretty kitchen decor dealy)
Robin Plemmons - Oh my. I want to french the screen. Bravo.
Rachel - YES!!!!!!
Rachel - LOL
Robin — you make me smile 
Marsha Herndon - giggling at “holy hell, y’all, the smell”
This sounds Ah-mazing!!! Totally works on my diet, too. Thanks.
Rachel -
Seriously — best compliment ever 
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen - This looks fantastic, I mean out of this world good! I will be trying this and passing it along! Gotta love a crockpot!
Rachel -
YAY for someone giggling at my silly southernisms 
except it sounds like hail and … oh.. HAI TANGENT 
And everyone who knows me probably rolls their eyes because I really do say, Oh My Holy Hell, y’all —
YAY! Let me know if you do make it! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Rachel - Miss – it’s crazy good. Ridiculous with sweetness and acid and citrus and zingy and tangy and savory and the moist deliciousness.. insane!
Let me know!!! xoxoxo
Lynn - I cook chicken all the time in the crockpot, but I have never put oranges and limes in it. I love lemon in my chicken, but I never thought to do it with other citrus. What a great idea!
Rachel - Thanks, Lynn.
Let me know what you think if you make it. I love the addition of the other citrus – adds so much depth!
Mindy Herod - Can’t wait to try this! I think I’m gonna add the jalapenos like you suggested
Cornelius the Pig - we were just trying to come up with some new crockpot chicken recipes… this looks delicious (and beautiful!)
Marsha Herndon - Oh, Imma southern girl too. Read it to hubby exactly like that, we both got a giggle. LOVE me some southernisms. I never say holy hell, but I think I’m gonna start.
Mae @ Here in This House - oh. hell. yes. i’m going to try this just as soon as i can wrangle up the supplies. the photos look amazing!!
Rachel - I adore — Tinfoil and Magnolias —
putting them together for your title.. total southern brilliance
yay
You so should!
Rachel - Let me know!
Strawberry Muffins with a Sweet Topping | Talking Dollars and Cents - [...] ‘e’ Friend Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Midnight Maniac Meatless Mondays, Mangia Monday, Mouthwatering Mondays, Made it on Monday, Made From Scratch, It’s a Blog Party’s Delicious Dishes, Tuesday Night [...]
Krissa - This sounds amazing! I too love my crock pot…has anyone else found that their crock pot overcooks things when using recommended times on crock pot recipes?
Meegan Smith - I had this same crockpot and my insert cracked into four pieces:(
Your chicken looks fabulous. Can’ t wait to try this.
Cooking Together…Autumn Herbed Chicken with Fennel and Squash | More Than Mundane - [...] Good Cheap Eats and Mouthwatering Mondays for more great recipes! This entry was posted in In the Kitchen and tagged Recipes. Bookmark [...]
JeNae - Oooh, yummo.
Kristi - Mmmmm. You had me at citrus and garlic. And crockpot. This looks wonderful!!
Cat Davis - Oh my, that looks so tender and juicy! I’ve never put a whole chicken in my slow cooker, which happens to be my best friend, so I think I’ll start with this recipe!
Marelie - I love this recipe.Thanks for sharing and for hosting.
Jill - Hi Rachel,
I shared my GF coconut banana blueberry bars and an article about treating acne with diet. I hope you like them. Your chicken looks amazing. i am going to try it this week with my pastured chicken!
Melissa K - Oh my. This looks incredible! I love my crockpot and I love to do chicken in it. This recipe is now on my to-make list!
Amanda - This looks amazing! I make a lot of dinners in the slow cooker and this would be a nice change:)
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy - This looks great! I LOVE cooking in the slow cooker! Thanks!
April@The 21st Century Housewife - Your chicken definitely looks mouthwatering! I love all the delicious citrus in it. Thank you for hosting!
Jane Doiron - Wow! Your photos are amazing! I added my slow cooked golden mushroom beef. Thanks for hosting!
Slow Cooked Golden Mushroom Beef | Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms - [...] Mouthwatering Mondays Filed Under: Recent Recipes [...]
Frittata Recipe | TidyMom - [...] claim their prize or another winner will be selected.Good luck!!~I’m sharing this recipe at:Mouthwatering Mondays, Tasty Tuesday,Disclaimer: I was given a copy of The Whole Family Cookbook for this review, I was [...]
Sparkle Berry Cupcakes with Flowers - [...] * Liz at Hoosier Homemade for “Cupcake Tuesday” * Rachel at A Southern Fairytale for “Mouthwatering Monday” * Robyn at Add a Pinch for “Mingle [...]
Turtle Cake {celebrating 1 year} - [...] * Kim at Quit Eating Out for “Saturday Swap” * Rachel at A Southern Fairytale for “Mouthwatering Monday” * Robyn at Add a Pinch for “Mingle [...]
Aimee - Yum, that looks delicious! Thanks for hosting!
Luscious Lemon Bars | The Misadventures of Mrs. B - [...] with Skip To My Lou, Sumo’s Sweet Stuff & A Southern Fairytale – check out all the talent linking up there! Blog this! Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post [...]
Rachel - YAY! Let me know what you think, Mae.
Rachel - OH NO!
Did you get it replaced? Warranty? Did you cry? 
i hope you try it and let me know what you think!
Rachel - Hey Krissa!
I found that with my last one — which wasn’t an actual Crock-Pot — it was a different brand that starts with an R. And after doing lots of research and talking with people — the overcooking seemed to be very common with that particular brand.
Rachel - Thank you, so much! Your Triple Peanut Butter Cookies sound like something my husband would wear!!
Rachel - Thanks, Kristi! I know — Citrus and Garlic — what could be bad about that?
Rachel - YAY Cat! I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t ever done it but, for some reason it just never occurred to me to try it! I”m so glad that i did! I have another whole chicken in the freezer — I can’t wait to come up with something for it, too!!!
Rachel - Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment and link up! Happy Monday!
Rachel - Hi Jill,
Thank You! Coconut Banana Blueberry Bars! WOW — those sound like summer in a snack! yummy!
Let me know what you think about the recipe!
Happy Easter From the Farm, and What To Do With All Those Hard-Boiled Eggs? | A Mom On A Mission . . . . . . to nurture and nourish her family - [...] am sharing this post at the Healthy Home Economist, Mouthwatering Monday, and the Weekend [...]
Miz Helen - Your recipe would sure be a winner here at The Cottage, we just love Crock Pot recipes and your looks delicious. Thank you for hosting and have a wonderful week!
Robyn | Add a Pinch - Oh this look divine, Rachel. YUMMMM!
George - That looks great. I love citrus with poultry. And any opportunity I have to use rosemary is a winner in my book.
Andrea (Andreas Kitchen) - Your photos are gorgeous Rachel! This recipe sounds incredible!
I am sharing my recipe for Cauliflower Chopped Salad. My vision was to create a salad that was like a gourmet pasta salad but with cauliflower instead of pasta. It’s yummy!
Thanks for hosting!
Cauliflower Chopped Salad - [...] Friday at Cybele Pascal Allergy Friendly Cuisine, Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist, Mouthwatering Monday at A Southern [...]
Karen - OMG I’m making this tomorrow. I’ve linked up my blackberry cake, I hope you enjoy it, it’s so easy!
and seriously, I’m making this tomorrow!
Lisa @ Happy in Dole Valley - Oh my goodness! That chicken looks delicious and is going on my menu for next Sunday’s after church lunch. I can almost imagine how good it will smell and taste!
laxsupermom - I don’t know why, but the linky thing isn’t working for me. I tried to link up my Pecan Streusel Topped Lemon Berry Bread.
Your chicken looks divine! Love citrus & garlic & my crockpot, so this recipe is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party.
laxsupermom - Just letting you know that I got the link to work. It must have just been on my end.
Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday - Planning the Garden | Dr. Laura's Adventures @ WhoIsLaura.com - [...] Mouthwatering Monday Monday Mania Tempt My Tummy Tuesday Hearth and Soul Delicious Dishes Tasty Tuesday @ 33 Shades of Green Tasty Tuesday @ Beauty and Bedlam Tuesday Night Supper Club Real Food Wednesday Full Plate Thursday Foodie Friday Friday Potluck Friday Favorites Cooking & Recipes, Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday Minimalist Monday Mission: Declutter 365 – Laundry Room Tables and Floor » [...]
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] - Holy nuts. I think I can actually make that.
Rachel - LOL — I totally snorted and nearly choked myself. Note: do not drink anything while reading Angie’s comments
xxoxoxooxox
Rachel - I’m SO glad you were able to get it to work! Sometimes it can get hung up… Thanks for linking!
Helen Jane - My family and I thank you.
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Jenna @ Newlyweds - Oh yum, I love my sticky chicken in the crockpot, but I will have to try this version as well, looks amazing!!
Vicki - Looks yummy! Feel free to link up over at Peas & Carrots for What We’re Eating Wednesday. http://www.navefamilyfood.blogspot.com
sam henderson - What a great recipe idea! I am so happy to have stumbled upon your site. I can’t wait to read more.
Weekend Cowgirl - I love that you added all the fruit! I love my Crock Pot too!!
The Motherload » Amy’s Notebook 04.27.11 - [...] rosemary citrus garlic slow cooker chicken looks like a delicious & easy weeknight supper (@ A Southern [...]
Hungarian meatballs with noodles | Creative Kitchen - [...] and broth. Season with salt and pepper. This recipe linked to Mangia Mondays, Monday Mania, Mouthwatering Monday, Melt in your Mouth Monday, A Moderate Life, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesday, Delectable [...]
Pam - How awesome does that food look! I am so hungry. love it sending it to my gal pals.
Trisha - All that citrus from so many sources must really flavor things up… Looks like a very flavorful pot roast … Once again, thanks for hosting this great linky, I look forward to it every week!
Citrus Chicken: A Taste of Summer « MommyTime - [...] piece of summer in your mouth recipe comes from Rachel at Southern Fairy Tale. Hope over to her blog. She has lots of great recipes to browse through. If you are on Twitter, [...]
Stuffed Peppers - [...] post is linked to Homemaker Monday Made By You Monday Mouth Watering Monday MMMM Mangia Monday Melt In Your Mouth Monday Monday Mania Just Another Meatless Monday [...]
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. - This looks wonderful. Bookmarked!
Jacqueline Presley - Made this recipe tonight, but I’m thinking there is a missing ingredient maybe? Like water, broth or a base of some sort? It was awful dry, but super fragrant for sure. Let me know if you normally use something for a base of some sort when you make this? THANKS.
Rachel - Hey Jacqueline,
I’ve never had this come out dry. Did you cook it on high perhaps? I’m trying to figure out how it would be dry. The juices from the onions, citrus and chicken create a very hearty broth.
I don’t add any additional ingredients. Every step listed is how I’ve made it the 4 or 5 times that I’ve made this and I’ve never added any additional liquid.
I’m sorry that it was dry, is your crock pot new or old? I found that mine, which wasn’t an ‘actual’ crockpot brand was cooking at a MUCH higher temperature and I was having lots of issues with things being dry or burnt and it was about 3 years old.
I wish I had more advice.
Mary - We followed the recipe to a T. It looked absolutely beautiful and so took some amazing pictures of the Rosemary, citrus, and chicken in the Crock Pot. Smelled sooooo heavenly while cooking……Rosemary and citrusy! Took out the falling off the bone chicken to slice up. Took a bite of the chicken and citrus.
What did we do wrong????
Bitter!!! Greasy!!!! No garlic. No onion. Looked pretty, but…….. What to do with the greasy, bitter stock?????
And we were soooooo hungry for this!!!!!
Have some amazing pictures, though!
Rachel - Mary,
I have no idea
. The citrus could be not as ripe as it should be, but I don’t know about the greasy 
. I’m so sorry. What a horrible disappointment 
Damian - I’ll concur with Mary.
We followed the recipe to the letter, also, except for using fewer lemons and limes. It smelled great, and we were really looking forward to it too.
This turned out bitter and greasy for us too; had a flavor reminiscent of lemon Pledge. I’m not sure what happened to the rosemary or the garlic, or even the chicken flavor.
I’m not sure what to do with the crock pot full of blegh.
Rachel - I’m so sorry Damian
It’s so weird how some people have so much success with this and a couple have had it come out bitter. I’m going to try it with several different levels of fruit ripeness and see if I can duplicate the results to try to better explain and figure out what’s happened.
I’ve made this several times and have never had the result that y’all are reporting. Thank you for telling me, and I’m so sorry that it didn’t turn out for y’all. That’s so frustrating to smell something wonderful and anticipate something delicious all day and have it completely turn on you
Cat - I was do excited to try this. I love anything lemon and chicken. I made sure all my lemons limes and oranges were super ripe put everything in the crockpot turned it to low and by dinner time it looked and smelled wonderful…. The taste however was really really bitter. I took all the skin off and drained the juices. It made it bearable but it still turned out pretty bad. I would defiantly suggest taking the rinds off to anyone who makes this in the future.
Nutella Sandwich Cookies - [...] Mouth Watering Monday [...]
Pumpkin Pancakes - [...] a sweetened whipped maple cream cheese or even whipped cream. Homemaker Monday Made By You Monday Mouth Watering Monday MMMM Mangia Monday Melt In Your Mouth Monday Monday Mania Just Another Meatless Monday Now [...]
Marie - Same thing happened to us! It smelled amazing, but the taste was bitter, sort of like what a lime rind would taste like.
youtube.Com/watch?v=Hb73Pnerp4y - Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thanks!
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