Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe
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.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 1 Whole Chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Seasoning
- 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.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Generously season the whole chicken inside and out with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Set the chicken inside the slow cooker, breast side up to ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, pairing it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
- 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.
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