Ever dreamed of making a restaurant-quality rotisserie chicken at home without the fuss? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with this incredibly easy slow cooker whole chicken recipe. As a busy mom who’s always looking for budget-friendly meals that don’t sacrifice flavor, this recipe has become my go-to solution for creating tender, juicy chicken that literally falls off the bone.
Just like our popular Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe, this slow cooker version delivers amazing results with minimal effort. The best part? Your house will be filled with the most incredible aroma as it cooks!
What Is Slow Cooker Whole Chicken?
Think of slow cooker whole chicken as your secret weapon for creating the most succulent, flavorful roasted chicken you’ve ever tasted. It’s like having a personal chef working magic in your kitchen while you’re busy with your day. You know the old saying, “good things come to those who wait”? Well, this recipe proves it true! The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply, resulting in chicken that’s more tender and juicy than any store-bought rotisserie bird.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Effortless Perfection
This recipe takes the complexity out of cooking a whole chicken. Simply season, set, and forget! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Purchasing a whole chicken is significantly more economical than buying pre-cut pieces or rotisserie chicken. Plus, you can use the leftover bones to make homemade broth, stretching your dollar even further.
Versatile Meal Prep Star
One chicken provides multiple meals throughout the week. Use the tender meat in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, or tacos. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Quick Overview
This recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a mouth-watering meal that rivals any store-bought rotisserie chicken. The secret lies in creating an onion “trivet” that elevates the chicken, allowing it to cook perfectly while creating its own flavorful juices.
Key Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-6 lbs)
- 2 whole onions, thickly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Base
Create your “trivet” by peeling and cutting the onions into thick slices. Arrange them in the bottom of your slow cooker to elevate the chicken. - Prepare the Chicken
Place your whole chicken breast-side up on top of the onion layer. Using a basting brush, coat the entire chicken with olive oil – this acts as “glue” for your seasonings and helps keep the meat moist. - Season to Perfection
Combine all seasonings in a small bowl to ensure even distribution. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the entire chicken, using your basting brush to ensure even coverage. - Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the breast (avoid touching the bone when measuring).
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh green salad
- Homemade gravy (using the flavorful cooking juices)
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
- Size Matters
If your chicken is slightly too large for your slow cooker, don’t worry! You can adjust the cooking time accordingly, just ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature. - Crispy Skin Option
For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. - Even Seasoning
Always mix your seasonings together before applying them to ensure even distribution and consistent flavor throughout.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
- Freezing: Shred leftover meat and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or use leftover meat cold in salads and sandwiches.
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Description
The easiest Slow Cooker Whole Chicken! Crock pot Rotisserie chicken is easier than you think and this crock pot whole chicken literally falls off the bone.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (4-6 lbs)
2 onions
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions into large thick slices. Place them at the bottom of a crock pot.
- Place the chicken in the crock pot (breast side up). Use a basting brush to rub the olive oil all over the skin of the chicken.
- Mix all the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and use the basting brush to coat the chicken with the seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours, or cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Make sure chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove chicken from crock pot carefully.
- Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes. Then slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you want to have crispy skin like you get with roasted chicken, place the chicken in a baking dish or cookie sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5-7 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 249 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 359mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
