Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Golden brown whole chicken in black slow cooker

5 from 7 votes

This slow cooker whole chicken is an easy, hands-off way to prepare a juicy chicken in a Crockpot. Deliciously seasoned and cooked low and slow, it’s ideal for busy days.

Prep Time5

Cook Time4

Total Time4 5

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 222kcal

Author: Traci

Equipment

paper towels
mixing bowl
basting brush or rubber gloves optional
instant-read thermometer
6 quart slow cooker

Ingredients

1 Whole Chicken about 4-5 pounds
Salt and Black Pepper for seasoning
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Chicken Seasoning

Instructions

Remove any giblets from the CHICKEN cavity and pat the skin dry with paper towels.
Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with oil.
Generously season the CHICKEN with SALT and PEPPER, including inside the cavity.
Place the CHICKEN in the slow cooker.
Mix the OLIVE OIL and CHICKEN SEASONING in a small bowl, then rub it all over the CHICKEN to coat evenly.
Turn the chicken breast side up, cover, and slow cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours. *See recipe footnote for variation.
At the 4-hour mark, use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature. You're looking for a minimum temperature of 160°F.
(optional) For crispy skin, preheat the broiler to high and adjust the top oven rack 6-8 inches from the broiler. Transfer the CHICKEN to a roasting pan. Brush the CHICKEN with OLIVE OIL and broil for 5 to 8 minutes, until the skin is golden brown.
If not broiling, turn off the slow cooker and let the CHICKEN rest for 5 minutes until it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Serve warm with your favorite sides.
To store, let it cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

Thaw your whole chicken completely to ensure it cooks evenly in the Crockpot and reaches the proper internal serving temperature.

Stuffing the cavity is optional. The chicken will cook perfectly without it, but you can stuff it with your favorite citrus too add a bright aroma and flavor.

Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness by inserting it into the thickest part of the whole chicken next to the bone.

Cut the slow cooker time in half by setting your Crockpot to HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, checking the internal temperature at the 2-hour mark.

The juices at the bottom of the slow cooker are perfect for making a rich, pan-dripping gravy. Strain it and store it separately in the refrigerator if you plan to use it later.

Nutrition