Juicy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe, cooked to perfection in just 4 hours. This easy slow cooker whole chicken recipe includes tender chicken and flavorful vegetables for a complete, hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this crockpot whole chicken is packed with flavor and requires minimal prep.
This simple crockpot whole chicken recipe cooks a tender whole chicken and vegetables at the same time, making a tasty dinner with little work. For the best results, use a whole chicken between 4 and 6 pounds, along with your favorite vegetables.
Whether you’re in a rush or planning ahead, I’ve included cooking times for both HIGH and LOW settings, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal no matter your schedule.
We love pairing this slow cooker whole chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort meal. It’s a family favorite, especially during fall and winter, and we make it once or twice a month. It’s also a budget-friendly option, especially if you catch the chicken on sale, and it can easily provide us with two meals as we have chicken sandwiches and gravy the next day.
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to make tasty home-cooked meals is to cook chicken in a crockpot. Your crockpot will do all the work for you. Just put the food in, turn it on, and walk away for hours.
But one question everyone has is – how long exactly should you cook chicken in the crockpot to make sure it turns out moist tender and perfectly cooked? The answer depends on a few key factors. In this detailed guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to master cooking times for chicken in the crockpot.
Key Factors That Impact Crockpot Chicken Cook Times
Several variables affect how long chicken needs to cook in the crockpot to reach the ideal internal temperature and become fall-off-the-bone tender
Type of Chicken
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There are two types of chicken: boned and boneless. Boned chicken pieces, like drumsticks and thighs, take longer to cook than boneless breasts or tenders. The bone acts as an insulator, slowing down the cooking.
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Skin on vs Skinless – Chicken cooked with the skin on retains more moisture during cooking. Skinless cooks slightly faster.
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Whole Chicken vs. Pieces: A whole 3–4-pound chicken takes longer to cook, usually 6–8 hours on low. Pieces cook faster.
Size and Thickness
Larger, thicker cuts of chicken require more time to cook through fully. Try to use uniform sized pieces.
High vs Low Setting
The low setting cooks at about 200°F, and the high setting cooks at about 300°F. High cooks faster but can lead to drier chicken. Low and slow is best.
Age of the Crockpot
Older crockpots may run slightly cooler than newer models. Get to know your specific appliance.
Recommended Crockpot Cook Times for Chicken
Follow these general guidelines for perfectly cooked crockpot chicken every time:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts – 3-4 hours on low
- Boneless Thighs – 4-6 hours on low
- Bone-In Chicken Pieces (drumsticks, thighs) – 6-8 hours on low
- Whole Chicken – 6-8 hours on low
The size of the meat as well as the volume of food in the crockpot can impact cook times. For larger amounts, extend the time slightly.
Checking for Doneness
To be absolutely sure your chicken is fully cooked, use an instant read thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Check in a few thick spots to confirm doneness.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these visual cues:
- Meat is opaque throughout with no pink spots
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
- Chicken shreds easily with forks
Common Crockpot Chicken Mistakes to Avoid
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Not adding enough liquid – Chicken releases moisture as it cooks. Add broth, sauce or water to prevent drying out.
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Cooking on high – Use low only for boneless breasts to prevent overcooking.
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Overfilling – Don’t go over 2/3 full or it won’t cook evenly.
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Checking too often – Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes. Resist peeking.
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Frozen chicken – Always thaw chicken fully before putting it in the crockpot.
Crockpot Chicken Cooking Questions Answered
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cooking chicken in the crockpot:
Can I cook frozen chicken in the crockpot?
No, chicken must be fully thawed before slow cooking to ensure food safety and proper cook times.
Should I brown or sear the chicken first?
Browning adds flavor but isn’t necessary. Put chicken directly into crockpot.
What temperature should I cook chicken on?
Low is best, high can lead to overcooking except for bone-in thighs/legs.
How much liquid should I add?
About 1/2 cup to 1 cup of broth, sauce, etc. The chicken releases juices.
Do I need to stir or flip chicken while cooking?
No, just leave it alone once you’ve added it to the crockpot. No stirring needed.
Can I shred chicken after cooking it in the crockpot?
Yes! Chicken shreds beautifully after slow cooking all day. Use two forks to shred.
Is it safe to leave the crockpot on when I’m not home?
Yes, as long as you follow proper food safety. Never put frozen chicken in an unattended crockpot.
How long can cooked chicken stay in the crockpot?
Safely hold chicken on warm for 1-2 hours max after cooking finishes to prevent bacteria growth.
Can I reuse leftover crockpot chicken?
Sure! Store cooked chicken in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.
What are the best recipes for crockpot chicken?
Some favorites are chicken tacos, buffalo chicken, casseroles, soups and shredded chicken sandwiches.
What sides go well with crockpot chicken?
Rice, potatoes, veggies, pasta and bread are all easy sides. Toss them in the crockpot too!
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Crockpot Chicken
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Add sauces/marinades for extra flavor
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Mix in aromatic veggies like onions, garlic, peppers
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Garnish cooked chicken with fresh herbs
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Use broth, tomatoes, wine or sauce for moisture
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Sprinkle on lemon juice before serving
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Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving
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Add cream cheese, sour cream or mayo when shredding
Mastering the ideal cook times is the key to crockpot chicken success. Follow the guidelines above for the type of chicken you are preparing. Check for doneness with a thermometer and keep an eye on visual cues as well. Avoid common mistakes like overfilling or cooking on high.
With the proper techniques, the crockpot does all the work for incredibly tender and juicy chicken ready when you are. Enjoy the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it meals!
My Crockpot Secret to Juicy Chicken
Putting the chicken in the slow cooker and how you cook it are the keys to making it juicy and tasty. Putting in broth keeps everything moist, but the real trick is making a shelf for the chicken so it doesn’t rest on the bottom of the crockpot.
While some people use aluminum foil, I like to use chopped vegetables instead. It not only lifts the chicken up for even cooking, but also turns this into a full meal in one pot. The result? Incredibly tender, juicy chicken that basically falls off the bone.
You can use any vegetables that are in season instead of the ones listed in this recipe. I personally think it tastes great with potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Other ideas are:
- Chopped green beans
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Brussels Sprouts
- Parsnips
- Mushrooms
How To Make a Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Add in the vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker. I recommend 4 cups of vegetables, but you can use more if you want to, just remember you have to fit in a chicken and close the lid.
Pour chicken broth on top.
Rub the chicken with salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper and place on top of the vegetables in slow cooker.
Add 2 slices of butter on top of the chicken, this is going to melt as time goes on in the slow cooker and really make the skin juicy!
Cook and then remove from slow cooker, cutting apart the chicken to serve it. The meat is so tender it should just fall off the bone! Serve alongside the vegetables, and other sides if you want!
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or repurposing into another dinner!
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Cooking a whole chicken in the Crockpot | Slow Cooker Recipes
FAQ
Is 3 hours in a slow cooker enough for chicken?
Put the lid on top and cook until the chicken is soft and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This should take 4 to 5 hours on the LOW setting or 2 to 3 hours on the HIGH setting. Shred the chicken. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board or large plate.
How quickly does chicken cook in the crockpot?
Pat dry with paper towels. Put the chicken in the slow cooker on top of the crumpled aluminum foil. Season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set the slow cooker to High for 1 hour, then turn it down to Low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Nov 28, 2024.
Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Can this be cooked on high? Ideally, I’d stick to the low setting. The whole point of a slow cooker is to cook on low. Using the high setting may scorch the cream sauce and ruin it. If you need to cook this faster, I would suggest going with the stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken.