How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot for Juicy, Tender Meat

This classic chicken dish is easy and tasty to make by cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot, also called a slow cooker. You only need a few simple steps and ingredients. The slow, moist heat of the crock pot makes the meat tender and full of flavor.

Benefits of Cooking Chicken in a Slow Cooker

There are several advantages to using a crock pot for whole chicken:

• A slow cooker is convenient because it does all the work after you prepare the chicken and put it in it. You don’t have to watch over it or baste it. Leave it to cook for a few hours while you go about your day.

• Moistness – The moist, enclosed environment of the crock pot prevents the chicken from drying out, keeping it tender and juicy. No more disappointingly dry roasted chicken!

• Flavor – As the chicken cooks slowly, the seasonings and cooking liquids have time to thoroughly penetrate and flavor the meat.

• Forgiving – It’s nearly impossible to overcook chicken in a crock pot. The low temperature and indirect heat keeps the meat from becoming tough.

• Healthy: Cooking the chicken with the bone in and the skin on gives it more flavor and health benefits than cooking chicken pieces only.

Tips for Crock Pot Whole Chicken Success

Cooking chicken in the slow cooker may be easy, but there are a few tips to follow for best results:

• Use a size-appropriate cooker – Choose a large enough slow cooker so the chicken fits comfortably. For a typical 3 to 5 pound bird, a 5 to 7 quart cooker works well.

• Prep the chicken – Remove giblets from the cavity. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Trim off excess fat. Rub seasonings all over.

• Use a rack – Place chicken on a rack or vegetables in the bottom of the cooker so it’s lifted up from direct contact with the cooking liquids.

• Brown first – Browning the chicken before slow cooking further enhances flavor as the browned bits add richness.

• Remember the time: cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. High for 4-5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

• Make it pot-in-pot – For even gentler heat, place chicken in an oven-safe dish then set in the slow cooker and add water to the cooker.

• Let it rest – Once done, transfer chicken to a cutting board and tent with foil for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Whole Chicken

Now that you know the benefits and tips, let’s walk through the simple process of cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker:

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
• 1 cup chicken broth or wine

Directions

1. Remove giblets and trim excess fat from chicken. Rinse and pat dry.

2. In a small bowl, combine oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Rub over entire chicken.

3. Place onions, garlic, and fresh herbs in the bottom of a 5-7 quart slow cooker. Add 1 cup broth or wine.

4. Place chicken breast-side up on top of the aromatics (for more even cooking).

5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until chicken is fully cooked (165°F).

6. Transfer chicken to a cutting board to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

7. Serve chicken topped with the flavorful cooking juices if desired. Enjoy!

With this simple recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and juicy whole chicken cooked to perfection in your crock pot. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the size of your bird. And feel free to get creative with the seasoning rubs and aromatic ingredients to put your own signature twist on it.

Flavorful Seasoning Ideas for Whole Chicken

The basic salt and pepper provides a great foundation of flavor for crock pot chicken, but you can also kick things up a notch with zesty seasoning blends. Here are some tasty ideas:

Italian – dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, fennel seed

Mexican – chili powder, cumin, garlic, lime juice

Spanish – smoked paprika, garlic, oregano, saffron

Moroccan – cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne

Indian – garam masala, curry powder, ginger

Herbes de Provence – thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, lavender

Jerk – allspice, thyme, habanero peppers, garlic, onion

Get creative with your own signature mixes too. The long, slow cooking allows the seasonings to permeate the meat for maximum flavor impact.

How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot

Cooking time can vary based on the size and weight of your chicken, but here are some general timelines to follow:

• 3-4 pound chicken on LOW – 7-8 hours
• 3-4 pound chicken on HIGH – 4-5 hours
• 5-7 pound chicken on LOW – 8-10 hours
• 5-7 pound chicken on HIGH – 5-6 hours

The low setting keeps the temperature right around 200°F while high heats up to around 300°F. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh before removing it.

If pressed for time, you can quicken the pace by browning the chicken first and/or using the high setting, but the low and slow approach yields the most tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

Common Questions

Should I truss the chicken?

Trussing is not necessary for crock pot cooking. The contained environment and moist heat makes it so the wings and legs don’t dry out.

Do I need to flip or rotate the chicken?

Nope! Again, the even cooking of the slow cooker means you can simply place the chicken breast-side up and leave it alone as it cooks.

Can I stuff the chicken?

Yes, feel free to stuff the cavity with lemons, onions, herbs or cornbread dressing before cooking. Just note that the stuffing will not cook to food-safe temperatures in the time it takes the rest of the chicken to finish.

What about making chicken soup?

The flavorful broth left from cooking a whole chicken makes a fantastic base for chicken noodle soup or other soups. Simply remove the chicken when done, shred or chop the meat, then return to the broth with veggies and noodles.

Should I remove the skin before eating?

Whether to eat the skin or remove it is a personal preference. The skin helps keep the chicken moist and contributes flavor, but does contain the most fat and calories if you are watching your intake.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Crock Pot Chicken

Leftover crock pot chicken is versatile for easy meals all week long:

• Chicken salad or wraps

• Quesadillas or tacos

• Casserole like chicken divan

• Chicken fried rice or pasta

• Soup

• Breakfast – eggs, waffles, hash

• Sandwiches

• Pizza topping

Get every last bit of use out of your perfectly cooked crock pot chicken! The simple, flavorful meat is endlessly adaptable.

Conclusion

Cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker makes it easy to prepare this hearty and healthy meal. The moist heat tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavors as it cooks unattended for hours. Follow the tips above for best results, experiment with exciting seasonings, and then enjoy the leftovers in meals throughout the week. With minimal hands-on time, you can let your crockpot do the work while you come home to a house filled with the delicious aromas of home-cooked goodness.