Crockpot Whole Chicken

4 t. salt
1 t. cayenne pepper
2 t. paprika
1 t. thyme
1-1 1/2 t. pepper, to taste
3 T. garlic, minced
2.5 lb.-5 lb chicken (I used a 5 lb chicken in a 6 qt crockpot) Be sure to remove giblets and neck!
4 cloves garlic
half a lemon or 1 small apple
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, optional
1 medium onion, 1/2 chopped
1 large potato, sliced

Combine 1st 6 ingredients to use as a rub, or use any rub you have on hand. Rub this mixture all over chicken. Stuff the cavity with apple or lemon, garlic cloves, and 1/2 onion. This will help keep the chicken moist, as well as add flavor. Place the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and sliced potato in the bottom of the lined crockpot. Place seasoned chicken on top of vegetables, breast side up. No water is needed since the vegetables will make their own juices. If desired, you may add 1 c. water or chicken broth during the last hour. Cover and cook on low for 8 hrs, or high for 4 hrs. Remove chicken and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with the vegetables and a salad.

1st picture is before cooking, 2nd is after cooking