Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

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.

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

1. Add the carrots and onion to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. 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.
3. Add the chicken on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour over the melted butter over the chicken.
5. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze over the chicken.
6. Sprinkle over the seasonings evenly.
7. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
8. 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.