Name: Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 4 to 5 pound whole chicken (giblets removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon dried basil; salt and pepper salt and pepper

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a Slow Cooker Whole Chicken, especially on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those days when the sky was gray, and I just wanted something wholesome and hearty. I decided to pull out my trusty slow cooker and give it a try. As I mixed the spices and drizzled the olive oil over the chicken, the aroma filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal ahead. The anticipation grew as I set the timer and went about my day, knowing that a flavorful dinner awaited. When I finally lifted the lid, the chicken was perfectly cooked, succulent, and so tender that it practically fell off the bone. This dish quickly became a family favorite, and it’s not hard to see why!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
4 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
240 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
25 g

Tools Used:
Slow cooker

Why This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Works

Convenience at Its Best

The beauty of a Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is its sheer convenience. You can prepare it in the morning, set your slow cooker, and forget about it until dinner time. This hands-off cooking method allows you to multitask, whether you’re working from home or running errands. Returning home to the smell of roasted chicken is one of life’s simple pleasures.

Flavor Infusion

Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker allows the spices and herbs to fully infuse into the meat. The combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs creates a rich and savory flavor profile. Each bite is bursting with taste, making it far more exciting than just roasting a chicken in the oven.

Tender and Juicy Every Time

One of the main drawbacks of cooking chicken is the risk of it becoming dry. However, the slow cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender. You can even cook it on a low setting for a longer time to enhance tenderness. Every piece of meat becomes succulent without any effort!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who loves to meal prep, this recipe is perfect. You can make a whole chicken and use the leftovers throughout the week. From salads to sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. Storing shredded chicken in the fridge means you have a quick protein option ready to go!

Easy Clean-Up

Cleaning up after a meal can often be more tedious than the cooking itself. With a slow cooker, you have one main pot to wash, and if you line it with a slow cooker liner, you can minimize clean-up even further. Less mess means more time to enjoy your delicious meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

To prepare the Slow Cooker Whole Chicken, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that moist, flavorful chicken. The star of the show, of course, is the whole chicken itself, which becomes infused with the savory spices and herbs. The olive oil not only adds flavor but helps the skin crisp up beautifully if you choose to finish it under the broiler. The combination of spices creates a lovely aromatic experience, making this dish a delightful centerpiece for any meal.

4 to 5 pound whole chicken, giblets removed: The main attraction of this dish. A larger chicken ensures everyone gets enough tender meat for dinner.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to crisp the skin and adds a rich flavor to the chicken.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and rounds out the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herby note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant touch that elevates the dish.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Complements the other herbs beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Cooking Method for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Making a Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is a delightful experience that’s both simple and rewarding. With just a few steps, you can create a truly impressive meal. Here’s how to get started.

Begin by preparing your dry rub. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried basil. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Next, place a trivet inside your slow cooker. This will elevate the chicken and allow the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring a perfectly cooked bird.
Take your whole chicken, and drizzle it with olive oil. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve a crispy skin if you decide to broil it later.
Now, it’s time to apply the dry rub you prepared earlier. Generously sprinkle it all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Don’t forget to get some rub underneath the skin for maximum flavor!
Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking. This step helps keep the chicken intact and allows it to cook uniformly.
Carefully place the chicken breast side up in the slow cooker on top of the trivet. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Set your slow cooker to high for four hours or low for six hours. During cooking, resist the temptation to open the lid, as this will let heat escape and prolong the cooking time.
After the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. It should read a minimum of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
If you desire crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet. Drizzle it with a little more olive oil and place it under the broiler for five to ten minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Finally, allow the chicken to rest for ten minutes before carving. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t skip the trivet: Using a trivet keeps the chicken elevated above the juices, allowing it to cook evenly without becoming soggy.
Check the temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.
Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking ensures that the juices are retained, making the meat tender and juicy.
Broiling for crispiness: If you like crispy skin, don’t hesitate to broil the chicken after slow cooking. It elevates the dish significantly!

Make It Your Own

Cooking is all about personal touch and creativity! Here are some tips to help you customize your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken to your taste:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, chili powder, or Italian herbs to create unique flavor profiles.
Vegetable Bed: Add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions around the chicken in the slow cooker for a complete, one-pot meal.
Marinade: For additional flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with your preferred herbs and spices before cooking.
Leftover Chicken: Use leftover chicken in salads, soups, or sandwiches to make the most out of your meal.
Gravy Creation: Save the delicious drippings to make a homemade gravy. Simply thicken it with cornstarch and serve alongside the chicken.
Storage: How to store leftovers: Make sure your leftover chicken has cooled down before placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating. It will last up to three to four days.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover shredded chicken in airtight containers for up to three months.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken, the options are plentiful!

Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a mix of seasonal roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base for the chicken and gravy.
Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf can complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Salad: A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Occasions: This dish is ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or cozy gatherings.
Leftover Ideas: Don’t forget to use leftover chicken for delicious wraps or pasta dishes!

FAQ

To ensure your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked in the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast area. This guarantees that your chicken is safe to eat and will be juicy and flavorful. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the juices run clear when you pierce the chicken’s thigh, but using a thermometer is the best method for accuracy.

Absolutely! Cooking vegetables alongside your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is a fantastic way to create a complete meal. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions work particularly well. Simply place them at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken on top. The vegetables will absorb the chicken’s juices and flavors, making them incredibly delicious!

Leftover chicken from your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken can be incredibly versatile. You can shred it for use in salads, tacos, or sandwiches. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you have more than you can eat, consider freezing your shredded chicken in portions. This is a great way to have ready-to-use protein for future meals.

While it’s best to use a thawed chicken for optimal cooking results, you can cook a frozen chicken in the slow cooker. However, ensure that it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. Note that cooking from frozen may require additional cooking time, so it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal. Its effortless preparation combined with rich flavors makes it a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed! Embrace the warm, comforting taste of home-cooked chicken, and enjoy it with your loved ones tonight.