Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
A tender and juicy whole chicken cooked in the slow cooker with simple seasonings, perfect for an easy family meal.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs), giblets removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2–3 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2–3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil or butter.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Season the chicken generously inside and out with the spice mix.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and onion quarters.
- Place carrots and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker to form a bed.
- Set the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- You can use the leftover bones and juices to make homemade chicken stock.
- Adjust seasonings to taste with your favorite herbs and spices.
- If the chicken is very large, check for doneness in multiple spots to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: slow cooker whole chicken, crockpot chicken, easy chicken recipe, family dinner