Whole Slow Cooker Poached Chicken

By CJKK

Ingredients

• 3 bunches scallion
• 1 bunch cilantro, leaves and stems
• 1 whole chicken about 4 pounds
• 2 celery stalks cut into 2 inch pieces
• 12 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed
• 6 thin slices of ginger
• 6 star anise
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns, white if possible
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 8 cups water

Preparation

Step 1

In a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker place two bunches of scallions and half the cilantro on the bottom. Then place the chicken on top, breast side up. Add the celery, mushrooms, ginger, anise, peppercorns, and salt. Then add the water, adding more if the chicken isn't covered or almost covered. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 or more hours or until chicken reached 165 degrees.
When the chicken is cooked, carve it into portions and divide it among bowls. Divide the mushrooms among the bowls, too. Strain the broth and ladle it over the chicken and the mushrooms. Coarsely chop the remaining cilantro and scallions and sprinkle them over each bowl.

Can also serve over egg noodles.