Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (2024)

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Chicken » Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

by Sarah Olson on August 31, 2021 | Updated January 23, 2023 95 Comments

Forget buying a rotisserie chicken at the store and make this simple and chemical-free Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.

We rarely buy precooked chicken at the store anymore and instead make this classic whole chicken recipe or whole chicken and stuffing.

How to make a whole chicken in a crock pot:

• Whole chicken – Be sure to pick a smaller sized bird. One that will fit in your slow cooker along with veggies. I try to find one in the 4-5 pound range.
• Veggies – I use onion and carrots as a base to set my chicken on, this keeps the chicken out of enough of the juices so it doesn’t get completely soggy while cooking (or turn into a soup!)
• Butter – Just like a turkey at thanksgiving chicken is great basted with butter.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Lemon Juice – I add this for a little tang and who doesn’t love lemon on chicken?!

• Add your veggies on the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Place the whole chicken on top.
• Drizzle over melted butter and lemon juice.
• Sprinkle over the seasonings.

Should I add water?

• There is no need to add water to a whole chicken recipe in the slow cooker.
• Adding butter or lemon juice is better for infusing flavor. Unless you want poached chicken, do not add water. Adding water can make your whole chicken taste bland.

How long do I cook?

• Place the lid on the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
• Cooking time varies for a whole chicken can vary in size.
• You will know the chicken is cooked through when the drumsticks start separating from the breasts and the juices run clear.

Does the slow cooker brown or crisp the chicken?

• No, the slow cooker can not brown food for there is no browning element.
• I use paprika to give a browned look for my whole chicken recipes.
• You can put your slow cooked chicken under a broiler in an oven if you want crispy skin. Be sure your slow cooker is rated for such high temperature first, or place the chicken on a sheet pan.

What instead can I put with under a whole chicken to hold it out of the juices?

The reason we place something like carrots and onion under the chicken is to keep it out of the cooking liquid so it doesn’t turn into a soup. Try one of these methods if you prefer something other than carrots and onion.

• Foil balls – You can take sheets of foil and ball them up. About 5 works well.
• Small metal rack (such as the rack included in an instant pot)
• Potatoes – Quartered potatoes also work well.

How do I make gravy from the drippings?

You can make a wonderful gravy from the drippings from this whole chicken. Try one of these options:

• Gravy made with flour – Recipe from The Spruce Eats
• Gravy made with cornstarch – Recipe from Loaves and Dishes
• Or use the drippings instead of water with a chicken gravy packet.

More whole chicken recipes for your slow cooker:

• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Stuffing
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Rice – Recipe by Julie’s Eats and Treats
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Butternut Squash
• Slow Cooker Engagement Chicken with Gravy
• Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken
• Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken and Squash – Recipe by Real Housemoms
• Slow Cooker Cornish Game Hens and Baked Potatoes

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