I used to make it all the time when I bought whole chickens but with just the 2 of us I don’t do that much. When we are grilling I will get one and break it down for the grill legs and wings one day, thighs another and the breasts well these days we split one. So that’s 4 meals plus the stock. I’m a polack what can I say.
I still contend that The Humble Chicken is G-d’s greatest creation! Eggs, feathers, pretty much all meat, bones for broth, etc. They also make nice pets. Chicken hugs are the best! ;)
We’re empty nesters now. I crockpot a whole chicken and we can easily eat 4-5 meals off of it. Roast chicken with potatoes and veg the first meal, a couple casseroles, sandwiches, and soup or chicken and dumplings with the broth.
Flavorful chicken in the crockpot relies on a spice heavy rub, lots of black pepper, paprika, ginger, and garlic and onion powders. make a thick paste with olive oil and coat the chicken. I put the chicken on top of the veg I am cooking with it. The veg will keep the chicken above and out of the liquid that develops and will flavor the broth.