Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Description
Succulent, fall-off-the-bone whole chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Seasoned with aromatic herbs, garlic, and vegetables, this recipe delivers tender meat and rich natural juices — perfect for a comforting family dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
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1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs), giblets removed
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1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 lemon, halved
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4 cloves garlic, smashed
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1 onion, quartered
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3 carrots, cut into chunks
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2–3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
Instructions
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Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil/butter.
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Season: In a small bowl mix salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub seasoning all over chicken (inside cavity too).
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Stuff: Insert lemon halves and smashed garlic inside the cavity.
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Layer Veggies: Place onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Add Chicken: Lay the chicken breast-side up over the vegetables.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Optional Crisp: For golden skin, transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
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Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
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Add ½ cup chicken broth or white wine for extra moisture.
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Seasoning can be swapped for Cajun, BBQ rub, or Italian blend.
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Use veggies as a side dish or blend with drippings for gravy.
Tips
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Drying the chicken before seasoning ensures better flavor and texture.
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Lift chicken on top of a ring of foil or more veggies if you want it out of juices.
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Save leftover bones to make homemade stock in the slow cooker afterward!
Servings
Serves 4–6 people depending on chicken size.
Approximate Nutritional Info (per serving)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
(Values vary based on size & ingredients.)
Benefits
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Hands-off cooking — perfect for busy days
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Budget-friendly whole chicken meal
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Juicy & flavorful without roasting hassle
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Great leftovers for sandwiches, salads & soups
Q & A
Q: Can I add potatoes?
A: Yes! Add chunks of baby or regular potatoes with the vegetables.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. Thighs should hit 165°F in the thickest part.
Q: Can I cook from frozen?
A: It’s not recommended for whole chickens in the slow cooker due to food safety; always thaw first.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze shredded meat for 3 months.
