How to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker

You're not going to believe how easy it is to cook an entire chicken in a slow cooker, not to mention how juicy and tender it becomes after cooking nice and slowly. This Asian version is wonderful. The mouthwatering combination of garlic, ginger and soy sauce will have your family begging for seconds.

For a 6-quart slow cooker, use a 4-pound bird. It will fit perfectly inside. You will need a small bowl to mix the Asian ingredients. Garlic, scallions and ginger are the triad of traditional Chinese aromatics. Combine them with soy sauce, hoisin and sesame oil, and you have the base for a delicious Chinese dish. Sugar will add a yummy sweetness, and spicy chili sauce adds a touch of heat. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients
4-pound whole chicken
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
5 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon five spice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon sambal chile sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Directions
1. Place chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker breast side up.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the remaining ingredients.

3. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and rub onto chicken. Try to cover the entire chicken in the sauce.

4. Cook on high for 5 hours.