Trucker’s Chicken: A Savory Meal for Long Hauls
I’m no stranger to life on the road. As a trucker, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things, especially when it comes to good food that can be cooked up easily in a slow cooker.
One of my favorite on-the-go meals is my Trucker’s Chicken recipe. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to make, making it a perfect option for anyone who wants something tasty and comforting after a long day out on the road.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my secret recipe for Trucker’s Chicken, along with some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect dish every time. Trust me, even if you’re not a trucker yourself, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes!
So buckle up and get ready to taste some incredible flavors. I promise that this Trucker’s Chicken recipe will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this Trucker’s Chicken Recipe is a winner. As a self-proclaimed foodie and recipe connoisseur, I have tried and tested countless chicken recipes over the years, but this one always hits the spot. Trust me; you’ll fall in love with this savory slow cooker chicken recipe.
First of all, this recipe calls for whole chicken, which makes it an economical choice for families. You don’t need to break a sweat searching for expensive cuts because the whole bird provides moist meat from the breast to the thighs.
Secondly, this chicken recipe is cooked slowly in a crockpot or slow cooker with vermouth, garlic, lemon juice, fresh thyme, butter and other secret ingredients that create a rich and complex flavor. This method ensures that every inch of the bird gets infused with delicious taste that will make your taste buds dance.
Thirdly, if you’re health conscious, then this recipe is perfect for you. It’s low-carb and keto-friendly because it doesn’t call for any breading or sugary marinades like fast food fried chicken breast or Chester’s chicken. You can also make substitutions such as using unsalted butter versus salted butter or dried thyme versus fresh thyme to control your sodium intake.
Fourthly, let’s talk about convenience. This recipe was designed with truckers in mind so you can make it while on the road with just a few simple ingredients. Just throw everything in a slow cooker and let it cook while you’re out exploring Lookout Valley or have a layover. When dinner time rolls around, your chicken will be done perfectly without any fuss.
Lastly, what makes recipes more appealing? Versatility! This recipe offers endless possibilities to mix things up by pairing it with different sides or even turning it into stir fry or sour chicken in minutes. If you want some change from traditional thanksgiving dishes and family recipes go ahead and switch things up!
All in all, whether you are a truck driver looking for easy-to-make meals on the road or trying to impress your family with your cooking skills at home; The Trucker’s Chicken Recipe will blow you away with its flavorsome taste, health benefits and ease of preparation!
Ingredient List
- Whole chicken (3-5 pounds)
- Unsalted butter (½ cup)
- Vermouth (1/3 cup)
- Ground Pepper (1 tsp)
- Garlic cloves (2 minced or crushed)
- Fresh thyme (2 sprigs or 1½ tbs of chopped)
- Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Lemon juice (2 tbs)
This recipe entails some basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The main ingredient will be a whole chicken, which can range from 3 to 5 pounds, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that the number of servings you want to make and the size of your slow cooker might affect the type and size of chicken you buy. You also need unsalted butter, Vermouth, ground pepper, garlic, fresh and dried thyme, and lemon juice. The aromatics of the garlic and herbs will penetrate the meat creating a more flavorful chicken. The Vermouth adds a sweet yet light flavor to the sauce. It is important not to forget any ingredient as each provides a distinct flavor profile that are integral to this recipe’s success.
The Recipe How-To
Now the fun begins with actually creating the Trucker’s Chicken recipe. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious results.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken or chicken parts
- ¼ cup of vermouth
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder or grated cloves of garlic
- Fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme leaves
- Juice of one lemon
Procedure:
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Take your slow cooker and place it over the heat.
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Grease the cooker with butter or cooking spray.
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Add chunks of garlic, sprigs of thyme, and pour in your vermouth.
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Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat dry using paper towels.
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Season both sides of the chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Lay the seasoned chicken pieces in the cooker then drizzle lemon juice on top.
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Arrange your thyme sprigs on top of the chicken pieces then add little pats of butter over them.
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Put on the lid and let the magic happen as it cooks in low heat for four to six hours or until fully cooked.
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Once done, remove from heat and let it rest before serving.
By following these simple steps, you can have a delectable trucker’s chicken dish that is easy to prepare and cook with only a few basic ingredients!
Substitutions and Variations
As a home chef, it is always great to have various substitutions and variations available for any recipe – especially ones that will make your dishes more suited to your preferences.
For this Trucker’s Chicken Recipe, you can easily swap out fresh thyme with dried thyme or rosemary. Play around with different herbs to find the ones that fit your taste better. You could even add in some chives, parsley or cilantro to give your chicken a burst of freshness.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to unsalted butter, olive oil or coconut oil works great as well. You can also use ghee or clarified butter which can withstand high heat levels without burning.
To add some sweetness, you can sprinkle some brown sugar over the chicken before cooking or add honey or maple syrup as a glaze towards the end of the cooking process.
For those on a keto diet, you can switch out vermouth with chicken broth and skip the flour. Make sure to be mindful of carb count in anything you add in.
If you like sour flavors, you could try swapping the lemon for lime or orange juice. Or if you prefer something spicier, feel free to add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Finally, for serving suggestions, instead of pairing the chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy like we suggest in section six, consider making a stir-fry with veggies for more of an Asian-inspired meal.
These substitutions are just a few examples. Feel free to experiment and come up with your own variations that suit your personal preferences best.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Trucker’s Chicken Recipe, you have a lot of options. This savory slow-cooked chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages.
One classic pairing is with mashed potatoes, which complement the rich flavor of the chicken perfectly. You can also serve it with buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans or broccoli. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh salad made of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes.
Considering drinks to go with this dish, a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot can be a great choice to add a touch of class. For beer lovers, an IPA or pale ale will work well to cut through the richness of the chicken.
If you’re serving this recipe at a party or gathering, consider setting up a make-your-own taco bar with toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and hot sauce. This will give your guests plenty of options to customize their meal according to their preferences.
No matter how you choose to serve it, the Trucker’s Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your family favorites or the hit at dinner parties. So go ahead and enjoy this delicious dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a chef who loves throwing parties, I know the importance of being able to prepare ahead of time. With the Trucker’s Chicken Recipe, you can definitely get everything ready beforehand. This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, storing and reheating without losing its flavor or texture.
Making the Trucker’s Chicken in advance is easy. Simply follow the recipe instructions as usual, then store it in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. The dish will preserve all its savory taste and aroma for up to three days without losing any quality.
Now, when it comes to reheating the meal, you have a few options available at your fingertips. For best results, use a slow cooker set on low heat or microwave on medium heat with a cover on top until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat since doing so will dry out your chicken.
If you’re looking to save even more time, consider using leftover chicken from previous meals. Transforming those into Trucker’s Chicken is not only possible but incredibly simple! Cut the chicken into small pieces and follow steps 4-6 of the recipe instructions until the sauce has thickened – et voila! You’ll have a new twist on some classic food that will make your guests’ taste buds bounce with joy.
Lastly, when it comes to storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use. Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge before reheating them again.
With these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips at hand, you can quickly whip up this lovely Trucker’s Chicken Recipe ahead of time without sacrificing its amazing flavor and texture. Happy cooking!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect chicken dish is an art that every home chef needs to understand. Here are some tips that will help you achieve excellent results with this recipe:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
To prepare a fantastic trucker’s chicken recipe, fresh ingredients are a must. Ensure that you purchase fresh chicken and other fresh ingredients such as garlic, lemon, and fresh thyme.
2. Season the Chicken Well
Seasoning the chicken well is vital to the success of this recipe. I recommend that you generously rub the garlic, ground pepper, and dried thyme on every part of your chicken before placing it in your slow cooker.
3. Brown the Chicken Before Slow-Cooking It
Browning your chicken before placing it in the slow cooker can bring a depth of flavor to any dish. You can brown your chicken in a pan using unsalted butter and then proceed to cook it in your slow cooker.
4. Use Vermouth to Deglaze the Pan
After browning the chicken, deglaze the pan using vermouth. This step guarantees you maximum flavor as it dissolves all brown bits that cling to the pan from browning, releasing their delicious flavors into the sauce.
5. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
It’s essential to pay attention to cooking time when preparing this recipe so as not to end up with dry or overcooked chicken. Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of your cooked chicken breast or thigh; It should read 165°F.
With these tips, you would be able to prepare perfect Truckers’ chicken that would meet your expectations and more!
Bottom Line
The Trucker’s Chicken recipe is the ultimate meal for anyone on-the-go. Whether you’re a trucker looking for delicious and healthy recipes or someone who simply loves savory slow cooker recipes, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredient list, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a homemade meal without sacrificing their busy schedule. Plus, it can be easily customized to your liking or dietary needs – whether you’re on keto or prefer vegan options.
So why not give the Trucker’s Chicken recipe a try? Not only is it a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, but it’s also a testament to the creative and resourceful nature of truck drivers who have to make do with what they have on hand.
In conclusion, let this recipe be a reminder that even in the hustle and bustle of everyday life – whether it be on a semi-truck or in your own home – there’s always time for good food and good company. So grab your crockpot, follow the steps, and indulge in a meal that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied all day long.
Trucker’s Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 1/2-4 lbs chicken
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 bunch fresh thyme or 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground pepper
Basting Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 fluid ounces vermouth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Wash the chicken and pat dry; discard the giblets.
- Squeeze the lemon inside the chicken cavity.
- Place 2 of the lemon quarters in the very back of the cavity, followed by the thyme.
- Lay the garlic cloves on top of the thyme, sprinkle with pepper, and add the remaining lemon quarters.
- Place the chicken on its back in a roasting pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in the vermouth.
- Drizzle half the mixture over the chicken.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Using a flat spatula and a carving fork, turn the chicken over onto its breast.
- Return to the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and turn it over, breast side up.
- Drizzle the remaining basting sauce on top.
- Roast until dark golden brown all over, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a carving board.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!