This poached-style chicken can be served simply with a favourite sauce or gravy. It's a particularly good recipe for people following a diet plan, and an ideal way to cook a whole chicken for pasta.

Ingredients

• 1.5-1.6 kilogram whole chicken
• 1 whole orange or red-skinned apple
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, peeled and sliced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano, marjoram or thyme, optional
• 1 cup water, chicken stock or white wine

Method

1. Turn the slow cooker on to low to pre-warm while gathering and preparing the ingredients.
2. Rinse the chicken well and pat dry.
3. Place the orange or apple into the chicken cavity. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper.
4. Scatter the celery, carrot and onion into the base of the slow cooker. Sprinkle over the dried herbs if using.
5. Sit the chicken on top and pour the water, stock or wine over the chicken and cover with the lid.
6. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked. Carefully lift the chicken from the slow cooker and serve as wished.
7. Use the stock remaining in the slow cooker to make a sauce, gravy or soup, or to freeze for use at a later date.