Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Tender, juicy, and flavorful roasted-style chicken made easily in a slow cooker
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker whole chicken is incredibly moist, fall-apart tender, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or making broth afterward. No oven needed!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 lemon (optional)
- 3–4 garlic cloves (optional)
- 1 onion, quartered (optional)
- 2–3 carrots, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Remove giblets from inside the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick better.
2. Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken all over with olive oil or butter.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
Rub seasoning generously over the entire chicken, including inside the cavity.
3. Stuff the Chicken (Optional)
Stuff the cavity with:
- Lemon halves
- Garlic cloves
- Onion quarters
This adds extra flavor and aroma.
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place chopped onions, carrots, or potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker (this acts like a roasting rack).
5. Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables.
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 6–7 hours
OR - HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Optional Step: Crispy Skin
Slow cookers don’t crisp skin — but you can fix that!
- Transfer cooked chicken to a baking tray.
- Broil in the oven for 5–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
How to Serve
Serve with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or couscous
- Salad
- Homemade gravy from the slow cooker juices
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze shredded chicken up to 3 months
- Use leftovers for tacos, soups, sandwiches, salads, or chicken wraps
Pro Tips
- Add a little butter under the skin for extra juiciness
- Save the bones to make homemade chicken broth
- Sprinkle fresh herbs before serving for extra flavor