Whole Slow Cooker-Poached Chicken

• 3 bunches scallions
• 1 bunch cilantro, stems and leaves
• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped 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 two teaspoons coarse salt
• 8 cups water

1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker-a smaller slow cooker will be too small-place two bunches of scallions and half the cilantro on the bottom. Then place the chicken on top, breast up. Add the celery, mushrooms, ginger, star 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 the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
2. When the chicken is cooked, carve it into portions and divide it among the 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. Serve.

scallions, cilantro, chicken, celery stalks, shiitake mushrooms, thin slices of ginger, anise, peppercorns, coarse salt, water

Taken from food52.com/recipes/32597-whole-slow-cooker-poached-chicken (may not work)