Prepare to be amazed by the juicy, flavorful results of this effortless crockpot whole chicken recipe.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a game-changer that will transform you into a slow-cooking enthusiast.
Crockpot Whole Chicken Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
Rub Ingredients for the Chicken
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Crockpot
- 1 cup chopped onion, approx 1 medium to large onion
- 4 to 5 carrots, scrubbed, no need to peel, chopped in halves or thirds
- 4 celery stalks, cut in thirds
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 whole lemon, quartered
- 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds whole chicken
Instructions for the Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe
- In a small bowl, mix together the rub ingredients and set aside. Prepare the vegetables and arrange them inside the slow cooker.
- Unwrap the chicken and remove the neck and giblet bag, discarding or saving for later use. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub garlic cloves over the entire chicken, then stuff some inside the cavity. Generously coat the inside and outside of the chicken with the spice rub, and place quartered lemon pieces inside.
- Position the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the leg reaches 160°F.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a 9×13 baking dish and broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot whole chicken pairs well with multiple sides. Here are some delicious options to consider:
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Starchy Sides
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that complements the juicy chicken perfectly.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts add a flavorful and healthy side dish.
- Rice pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs and spices can soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing or cornbread stuffing provides a hearty and satisfying accompaniment.
- Noodles: Buttered noodles or pasta tossed with a simple sauce can provide a lighter option.
Vegetable Sides
- Steamed broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli with a drizzle of butter or lemon juice adds a vibrant green element.
- Green beans almondine: Green beans sautéed with butter and toasted almonds offer a touch of elegance.
- Glazed carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey or maple syrup provide a touch of sweetness.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the chicken.
Other Options
- Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce can cut through the richness of the chicken.
- Gravy: Homemade or store-bought gravy can be drizzled over the chicken and mashed potatoes.
- Bread: Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for sopping up the flavorful juices.
You can choose one or two sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Consider the season, your preferences, and any dietary restrictions when making your selections.
With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll soon discover why this recipe counts as one of the favorites among home cooks everywhere.
Crockpot Whole Chicken
Crockpot whole chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish made by slow-cooking a whole chicken with vegetables and spices in a crockpot.
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 9×13 Baking dish
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
Rub Ingredients for the Chicken
- 4 tsps salt
- 2 tsps paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the Crockpot
- 1 cup chopped onion (approx 1 medium to large onion)
- 4 to 5 carrots (scrubbed, no need to peel, chopped in halves or thirds)
- 4 celery stalks (cut in thirds)
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled and smashed)
- 1 whole lemon (quartered)
- 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 lbs whole chicken
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the rub ingredients and set aside. Prepare the vegetables and arrange them inside the slow cooker.
- Unwrap the chicken and remove the neck and giblet bag, discarding or saving for later use. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub garlic cloves over the entire chicken, then stuff some inside the cavity. Generously coat the inside and outside of the chicken with the spice rub, and place quartered lemon pieces inside.
- Position the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the leg reaches 160°F.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a 9×13 baking dish and broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Do I need to add water to the crockpot?
No water is necessary. The chicken will release its own juices during cooking, creating a flavorful broth that you can save for later use.
How do I get the skin crispy?
Follow the recipe instructions to broil the chicken briefly in the oven after slow cooking to achieve crispy skin.
Can I cook this recipe skinless?
Whatever you prefer. The skin helps to retain moisture though, so the chicken may be less moist and tender without it.
Can I make this recipe with a frozen chicken?
Fully thaw the chicken before cooking it in the crockpot. This ensures even cooking and prevents the risk of foodborne illness.
Nutrition
Calories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 364mgPotassium: 495mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 7488IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.