Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
This slow cooker whole chicken recipe is a must try! This dish is packed with so much flavor and is an easy, delicious dinner option any night of the week!
Slow cooker recipes are fantastic for making a great, healthy home cooked meal, while not having to babysit the food all day long. This slow cooker chicken recipe is the best way to make a whole chicken that can be used for a few different meals. It’s an easy recipe and the slow cooker roast chicken is fall off the bone tender.
Plus with this recipe, since you’re baking the entire chicken, there’s plenty to serve a group of people or make extra leftover chicken from Sunday dinner to use as a delicious upgrade to weeknight meals. Your whole family will love the flavor of the rotisserie-style chicken and you’ll love the few minutes of prep time. Serve it with root vegetables and you have a meal everyone will request again and again!
Easy Crockpot Recipe
Easy slow cooker chicken is the perfect comfort food, made even easier to make with your slow cooker. You’ll be amazed at how succulent and juicy the chicken is after hours of gently cooking in its own juices.
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is also incredibly versatile since you can adjust the flavor by experimenting with different herbs and spices, or use store bought-marinades and sauces. The tender chicken will be sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters, so whip out your slow cooker and get creative!
Why Make a Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe
Roasting a whole chicken has always been one of my favorite meals. But with the use of a slow cooker, that same delicious meal is elevated to an entirely new level. The great recipe has a spice mixture that flavors the bird perfectly will make you feel like you’re running your own upscale restaurant right in your kitchen. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal any day of the week.
- The convenience of tossing all the ingredients into the slow cooker, setting it and forgetting it makes this weeknight dinner just as easy as going out and grabbing fast food.
- What really sets this meal apart though is that the tender juicy chicken falls off the bone after several hours cooking in its own juices.
- This helps each bite flavored butter and spices create an enjoyment that restaurant versions just can’t compete with.
Can you roast a whole chicken in a slow cooker?
Roasting a chicken in a slow cooker may sound like an unconventional way to cook, but it is possible and can yield some delicious results. Not only does the slow cooker keep your kitchen cool on those hot summer days, but it also benefits those of us who don’t have time to tend to a fire or stove all day.
To successfully roast a whole chicken in your slow cooker, marinate it with herbs and spices overnight, then place it into the pot.
Cover with oil and set your slow cooker to low before you leave for work in the morning. Come home at night to that mouth-watering smell and your succulent slow-cooked chicken is ready!
Can you cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker when it’s frozen?
If you’re in a pinch and need to make a meal without thawing out meat, consider cooking a frozen chicken in your slow cooker. All you need are the right ingredients, timing, and temperature and you’ll be amazed at how easily you can craft delectable recipes using your slow cooker.
Slow cooking a frozen chicken requires different amounts of time than when it’s unfrozen, but once set and forgotten about the succulent results will exceed expectations! Once complete and ready to serve, top off with some herbs or a few vegetables for an extra flavor punch to knock the socks off of family and friends.
Do I need to add water when making a crock pot whole chicken?
The answer is no, simply seasoning your bird, adding some aromatics like lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for flavor, then popping it in the slow cooker to set and forget can yield tasty results.
How long does it take to cook chicken in a crock pot?
Whole chickens can take up to 8-10 hours on the low setting, though you get the most delightful outcome when cooking it overnight! Whether slow-cooked or fast-cooked, let your taste buds be the judge when it comes to deciding exactly how long to cook your poultry to perfection!
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
There’s nothing better than cooking a delicious, juicy whole chicken in a slow cooker. Slow-cooker chickens are tender, succulent, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Here’s how you can make the perfect slow cooker whole chicken every time!
Choose Your Chicken Carefully
The type of chicken you use will make a huge difference in the finished product. Look for organic chickens that have been raised without antibiotics and hormones, they tend to be juicier and more flavorful than conventional chickens. If you’re trying to save money, it’s perfectly fine to buy frozen chickens, just make sure you’re prepared to cook them whole and frozen!
Preparing the Chicken
Before putting your chicken into the slow cooker, season it generously with your favorite herbs and spices. For maximum flavor, rub your seasoning blend under the skin as well as on top of it.
Once your chicken is seasoned, place it breast side down in the slow cooker and add any additional ingredients such as potatoes or carrots (we recommend at least one cup of liquid for optimal results). Cover and set your slow cooker on low heat for 4-6 hours or until your chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches
Once your chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will help ensure that all of those wonderful juices stay inside the meat instead of ending up on your cutting board! Once rested, carve your chicken into pieces or shred it with two forks if desired.
Making a perfect whole slow cooked chicken is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, selecting quality poultry, seasoning generously, adding liquid to the pot, and letting the bird rest after cooking, you can create an incredibly juicy meal that everyone will love. It’s time to fire up that slow cooker and give this recipe a shot today!
What to Serve with a Whole Cooked Chicken
Serving a delicious whole cooked chicken for dinner can be quite the challenge, but with the right side dishes it can be an incredibly satisfying meal.
To make the most out of this feast, there are several options to consider. For a slightly lighter and healthier take, pair the chicken with roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or carrots. Or simply steam some fresh green veggies like broccoli, cauliflower or spinach alongside the chicken.
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, try mashed potatoes and gravy or rustic penne pasta with a creamy sauce that’s sure to please. No matter what sides you choose, you’ll have your guests coming back for seconds when you serve up the perfect combination of flavors with your dreamy main course. Try this slow-cooker roast chicken recipe this weekend and you’ll be glad you did!
If you’re interested in another slow cooker chicken recipe, then you may enjoy this slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe.
If you’re looking for another large chicken recipe that’s great for the whole family, then this cheesy chicken fajita casserole recipe may be the one for you!
Or if you’re looking to have some fun with an Instant Pot recipe, this bbq chicken legs Instant Pot recipe may be right up your alley!
Slow Cooker Engagement Chicken Recipe with Gravy
Get ready for one of the best slow cooker chicken recipes of your life!
Ingredients
- 2 sweet onions, sliced
- 1 whole chicken, giblets and extra pieces removed from the cavity
- 1 garlic bulb, cut in half
- 2 lemons, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For the gravy:
- 1 cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups broth, from under the chicken after it’s cooked
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken, discarding any extra pieces from the inside of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Create an even layer of the sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker and lay the chicken over the onions.
- Place a garlic half on each side of the chicken. Stuff two lemon halves inside of the chicken cavity. The remaining two lemon halves should be placed on each side of the chicken.
- Pour the olive oil over the chicken and rub to completely coat. Combine all of the seasonings and sprinkle over the olive oil.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook for 6 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees between the chicken thigh and breast without touching a bone.
- Remove the chicken and place on a serving platter. Keep warm.
- To make a gravy: Transfer the onions and about two cups of the liquid to a medium skillet. Discard the garlic and lemons.
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the wine to the chicken renderings and heat until the liquid is hot. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking until thickened.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the onions and gravy.
