Print

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 78 reviews

This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, olive oil, and chicken seasoning, it’s a convenient and flavorful way to prepare a hearty meal at home. Optional broiling at the end adds perfectly crispy skin for a delicious finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 Whole Chicken (about 45 pounds)

Seasoning

  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Chicken Seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the skin dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure better seasoning adherence and cooking.
  2. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
  3. Season the chicken: Generously season the whole chicken inside and out with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  4. Place chicken in slow cooker: Set the chicken inside the slow cooker, breast side up to ensure even cooking.
  5. Coat with oil and seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil with the chicken seasoning; then rub this mixture all over the chicken thoroughly for balanced seasoning.
  6. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours. Check at 4 hours for doneness with a meat thermometer.
  7. Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer around the 4-hour mark to ensure the chicken reaches at least 160°F internal temperature for food safety.
  8. Optional broiling for crispy skin: To crisp the skin, preheat your broiler to high and place the oven rack about 6-8 inches from the heat source. Transfer the chicken to a roasting pan, brush it with olive oil, and broil for 5 to 8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
  9. Rest the chicken: If skipping broiling, turn off the slow cooker and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
  10. Serve: Serve the chicken warm, pairing it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
  11. Store leftovers: Cool the chicken completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for crispy skin.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model and chicken size.
  • Remove giblets before cooking as they can affect flavor and texture.
  • Letting the meat rest allows juices to redistribute, making the chicken moist.
  • You can customize the chicken seasoning to your preferred blend of herbs and spices.

Keywords: slow cooker whole chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy whole chicken, slow cooked chicken, crockpot chicken, tender chicken recipe