How to Make Crockpot Whole Chicken

This Crockpot Whole Chicken is a super easy comforting meal, perfect for a lazy Sunday, a busy weeknight or as part of a holiday table spread.

With only 10 minutes of prep time, the rest of the heavy lifting is done by your slow cooker, resulting in a juicy whole chicken that can be easily crisped up by broiling for a few minutes just before serving!

Pair your chicken with some roasted veggies or a simple side salad – it’s a nutritious meal the entire family will enjoy.

TIPS FOR MAKING CROCKPOT WHOLE CHICKEN

• If you don’t have fresh herbs then use dried herbs (half the amount as directed in the recipe)
• You can get a crispy finish to your Crockpot Whole Chicken by broiling the chicken for 4-6 minutes until the skin is slightly crispy.
• Don’t have a slow cooker? You can also make a delicious whole chicken in the Instant Pot. Have a look at this Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe.

How to Make Crockpot Whole Chicken

1. Spray crockpot insert with non-stick cooking spray or you may use a disposable crockpot liner. Cut vegetables and add to crockpot with fresh herbs.
2. Rinse chicken, remove giblets and neck and pat dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine seasoning. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and rub into skin. Sprinkle evenly with seasoning
   Place chicken on top of vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours or until internal temperature is 165 degrees F. Remove to cutting board and let rest 10-15 minutes before cutting.
5. Cut and serve immediately with vegetables

CAN I COOK THE CHICKEN FROM FROZEN

• Although there are some differing views on whether you can cook frozen whole chicken in a Crockpot, the USDA recommends thawing poultry prior to cooking in a slow cooker.
• Why? Well, frozen chicken may spend too much time in what’s considered the temperature “danger zone” (that being between 40-140 degrees) where bacteria can grow quickly. Although such bacteria should die once the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, it’s believed that some toxins may still be left behind.
• If you go with the USDA recommendation, you can easily thaw your chicken overnight in the refrigerator. If you choose to cook from frozen then it’s best to increase your cooking time (i.e. 8-10 hours on low).

HOW SHOULD I STORE SLOW COOKER WHOLE CHICKEN?

• Either keep your leftover chicken on the bone or remove the meat from the bones and then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator. I top my leftover chicken with broth to store it which I find keeps it juicy. If you find that some of your broth solidifies you can just reheat it.

CAN I FREEZE CROCKPOT CHICKEN?

• Yes, you can! Allow your cooked chicken to cool completely, remove the meat from the bones and then place it in a freezer-safe container, topped with broth which will keep it moist.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot in the microwave or oven.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS CROCKPOT WHOLE CHICKEN?

• Crockpot Whole Chicken can be served with an array of side dishes, some of my favorites including:
  • Classic Green Bean Casserole
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots 

Other Chicken Midweek Meals To Try

• Chicken And Noodles
• Instant Pot Mexican Chicken And Rice Soup
• Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Crockpot Crack Chicken

Print

How to Make Crockpot Whole Chicken

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

6 hrs

 

This Crockpot Whole Chicken is a super easy comforting meal, perfect for a lazy Sunday, a busy weeknight or as part of a holiday spread.

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Crockpot, Slow Cooker

Keyword: chicken

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 pound whole chicken, neck and giblets removed, washed and patted dry
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4-5 stalks celery cleaned and chopped
• 3 carrots cleaned and chopped
• 1 red onion peeled and cut into pieces
• 4 garlic cloves peeled and smashed
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped **see notes
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped **see notes
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Spray crockpot insert with non-stick cooking spray or you may use a disposable crockpot liner. Cut vegetables and add to crockpot with fresh herbs.
2. Rinse chicken, remove giblets and neck and pat dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine seasoning. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and rub into skin. Sprinkle evenly with seasoning
4. Place chicken on top of vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours or until internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
5. Remove to cutting board and let rest 10-15 minutes before cutting.
6. Cut and serve immediately with vegetables.