whole chicken in a slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
whole chicken in a slow cooker recipe
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The Best whole chicken in a slow cooker recipe

I’ve been making whole chicken in a slow cooker for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. There’s something about the tender, fall-apart meat that just makes everyone happy. I think it’s because the slow cooker does all the work for us, so we can just throw in some ingredients and let it do its magic.

Plus, it’s such an easy recipe to follow – just season the chicken, add some veggies and sauce, and let it cook all day. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. My kids love helping me with this recipe, too – they get to mix in the seasonings and stir everything together before we put it in the slow cooker.

It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and meal prep. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love the smell of slow-cooked chicken wafting through the house? It’s like a big hug for everyone who walks in the door.

I’ve even made this recipe for big gatherings, like family reunions or holiday parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone loves having seconds (and sometimes thirds!) As for where this recipe comes from, I’m not entirely sure – but I think it might be an adaptation of some classic Southern recipes.

The key technique here is letting the chicken cook low and slow all day – it makes all the difference in terms of tenderness and flavor. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to customize this recipe to your tastes – just add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

4.7 from 1751 votes

This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is tender, juicy, and flavorful. It’s perfect for a easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary

For the Vegetables

1 medium onion, quartered
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
1 head of garlic, cut horizontally
1 lemon, cut into wedges

For the Sauce

1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken.
3In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
4Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chicken, including the cavity.
5Place the quartered onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
6Place the lemon wedges inside the chicken’s cavity.
7Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
8Pour the chicken broth around the chicken in the slow cooker.
9Add the butter on top of the chicken.
10Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
11The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
12Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
13Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
14The chicken should be golden brown and the skin should be crispy.
15Carve the chicken into pieces and serve it with the cooked vegetables and any pan juices.
16The chicken should be tender and juicy, with a crispy skin.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal. For a healthier option, you can use chicken broth instead of butter.

One of my favorite things about this whole chicken in a slow cooker recipe is how easily it stores – just refrigerate or freeze leftovers for up to three days or freeze individual portions for later meals. Reheating is also super simple: just thaw frozen portions overnight, then reheat them in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

My kids love having these reheated portions as quick lunches on-the-go. And if you’re looking for more serving ideas, try pairing with some crusty bread or over rice – either way is delicious!

As for why I always come back to this recipe, well… it’s because it’s just that good!

And my family agrees – we all love coming home to a warm, comforting meal after a long day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of chicken you like for this recipe – boneless or bone-in, whatever you prefer! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of your chicken pieces.

Q: Can I make this recipe with other types of protein?

A: Yes! While whole chicken is my go-to choice for this recipe, you can also use beef short ribs or pork shoulder if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of protein you’re using.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

A: This recipe is super easy to make – just toss all your ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready by dinner time! No fuss required.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different seasonings?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile – feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?

A: Yes! This recipe is relatively low-calorie compared to other slow-cooker recipes out there. Just be mindful of portion sizes and choose healthier toppings like fresh veggies instead of cheese or sour cream.

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