Are you ready to learn how to make the most delicious and juicy whole chicken in your slow cooker? Look no further, because this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe is the one for you! Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this recipe requires minimum effort but yields maximum results. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but the outcome is a tender and flavorful chicken that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Growing up, my mother always made roasted chicken for special occasions, and the aroma of it baking in the oven still brings back fond memories. However, now that I live on my own, I don’t have the luxury of a big oven, nor do I have the time to monitor it for hours. This is where the Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe comes in handy! It’s a fantastic alternative to roasted chicken, and it’s so easy to make.
Ingredients To Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Let’s start with the ingredients. You will need a 5 lb. small whole chicken, butter, lemon (optional), carrots, red onion, dried thyme (rosemary or oregano can be substituted), salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. You can also add any other vegetables you like, such as potatoes or celery, to the bottom of the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
How To Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
To begin, wash and pat dry the chicken. Remove any extra parts or packaging from the inside of the chicken and drain off any liquid. Next, add the carrots and onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour the melted butter over the chicken and squeeze lemon halves over it.
Sprinkle the seasonings evenly on top of the chicken. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. When the chicken is cooked, the drumsticks should start pulling away from the breasts, and the juices should run clear. If you’re unsure, you can use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.
The result is a juicy and succulent chicken that is bursting with flavor. The slow cooker does a fantastic job of keeping the chicken moist and tender, and the seasoning blends together perfectly to create a harmonious taste. It’s a perfect meal for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!
Why I Love Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart. When I moved to a new city for my job, I found myself struggling to make time for cooking. I missed home-cooked meals, but I didn’t have the time or energy to prepare them. That’s when I discovered this recipe. It was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to have a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the aroma of the chicken cooking filled my apartment and made me feel like I was back home with my family.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can add any vegetables or seasoning you like to make it your own. I’ve experimented with different spice blends and vegetables, and each time, it turns out delicious. It’s a recipe that’s easy to customize and tailor to your preferences.
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe
A great thing about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can cook a whole chicken on Sunday and use the leftovers throughout the week to make quick and easy meals. I love using the leftovers to make chicken sandwiches or quesadillas. It’s an excellent way to save time and money while still enjoying a delicious meal.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 8 hours | 8 hours 15 min | 6 |
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 lemon (optional)
- 4 carrots peeled and halved
- 1 red onion peeled and quartered
- 5 lb. small whole chicken (look for a chicken that is on the smaller size around 4-5 lbs.)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme (rosemary or oregano can be substituted)
- 1 tsp. salt
Directions
- Add the carrots and onion to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Remove the chicken from its packaging. Remove any extra parts or packaging from the inside of the chicken. Drain off any liquid from the inside of the chicken.
- Add the chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Pour over the melted butter over the chicken.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze over the chicken.
- Sprinkle over the seasonings evenly.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. This can vary for each chicken you cook, for they can vary in size. You know the chicken is done cooking when the drumsticks start pulling away from the breasts and the juices run clear. If you are concerned if your chicken is done, use a thermometer. 165° Fahrenheit is the safe temperature for chicken.
Second Method by Kirsty Pickersgill
Rough cut carrot celery onion in lightly sprayed crockpot. Smoked Paprika , garlic powder, onion powder, ground salt and pinch cayenne pepper in jar. Shake well. Rub over chicken . Pop on top of veggies. Large chicken so on high for 6 hours. 5 minutes to crisp skin in airfyer. Popped carrots from liquid and a few onions. Falls off the bones!!
Serving Suggestions
This recipe serves around 4-6 people, depending on the size of the chicken and the appetites of those eating it. You can also use the leftovers to make sandwiches, salads, or quesadillas.
Cook Notes:
- If you prefer crispy skin, you can broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken.
- You can also use a chicken rub instead of the seasonings mentioned in the recipe. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination for you.
- Make sure to use a small chicken for this recipe, around 4-5 lbs. If you use a larger chicken, it may not fit in the slow cooker, and the cooking time may vary.
- It’s essential to wash your hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrition Information: | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 979 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 71 g |
| Fat | 72 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 28 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 324 mg |
| Sodium | 803 mg |
| Potassium | 908 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 7886 IU |
| Vitamin C | 19 mg |
| Calcium | 71 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
The Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, delicious, and healthy meals. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or any occasion. It’s also budget-friendly and versatile, making it an excellent addition to your meal rotation. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household too!
