Juicy and tender, this crockpot whole chicken recipe over-delivers on flavor and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Ideal for holidays or casual weeknights.

Juicy and tender, this crockpot whole chicken recipe over-delivers on flavor and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Ideal for holidays or casual weeknights.

Cooking preparation is a fun process because it’s the beginning of making wonderful things happen in your kitchen. Sure, it can be tedious at times, but when you focus on the final result and how mouth-watering it’s going to be, the process is totally worth it.

With that said, next time you’re considering picking up a rotisserie chicken from the store, I encourage you to give this crockpot chicken recipe a try instead. It actually requires less than ten minutes of prep time before your slow cooker steps in to do the rest of the work. Plus, you get the experience of smelling the heavenly homestyle aromas in your kitchen as it cooks.

Juicy and tender, this crockpot whole chicken recipe over-delivers on flavor and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Ideal for holidays or casual weeknights.

For the prep, all you need to do is mix a few spices—such as garlic powder, cayenne, and paprika—and rub the spice mixture on a cleaned chicken. That’s it! Then, place the whole chicken in a plastic bag and allow it to marinate in the fridge overnight. You don’t have to worry about a thing from that point on. The chicken will be soaking up the savory spices while you’re having sweet dreams about it.

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In the morning, dump the whole chicken into your crock pot (okay, I guess you do have to remember the dumping move). If you wish, add some sliced onions and celery to cook with the chicken for extra flavor. (This is an optional step.) Set the heat to low for 6-8 hours, and by the time you are home from work, you’ll be greeted by a fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, flavorful chicken. It just doesn’t get any better, does it?

Juicy and tender, this crockpot whole chicken recipe over-delivers on flavor and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Ideal for holidays or casual weeknights.

Serve this slow cooker whole chicken with some mashed potatoes with bacon and make sure you scoop up some juice from the pot, which tastes like amazing heavenly chicken stock. I have a feeling you’re going to want this chicken to be a regular main course on your dining table. Make this recipe for Sunday night dinners, weeknights, holidays, and special occasions. To all of the above, I say hell yeah!

If you’d like to try your hand at a few other yummy chicken recipes, I recommend this Roast Chicken With Lemon and Herbs and this Baked Chicken Breast in Spicy Peach Sauce. These are not slow cooker recipes, but they taste like a different kind of wonderful coming straight out of the oven. Just think of that tender juicy meat and crispy skin that only an oven and aluminum foil can make!

Juicy and tender, this crockpot whole chicken recipe over-delivers on flavor and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Ideal for holidays or casual weeknights.
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Crock Pot Whole Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Sharon Chen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Gluten Free
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Juicy and tender, this crockpot whole chicken recipe over-delivers on flavor and only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Ideal for holidays or casual weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 whole 4-5 pound chicken
  • 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
  • cilantro for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
  2. Clean chicken and remove all the giblets. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
  3. Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken as well as inside it.
  4. Place the chicken in a plastic bag and refrigerate it overnight.
  5. When ready to cook, throw in a half onion, sliced, at the bottom of the slow cooker. Remove chicken from bag and place it breast side down. Place the other half onion on top of it. Add celery slices around the chicken.
  6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. If the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, it’s done. Otherwise, cook a bit longer.
  7. Dish the chicken and garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For this recipe, you will need a 6-quart slow cooker in order for a whole chicken to fit in.
  • No liquid is needed here. The chicken makes its own amazing juice.
  • Feel free to add your preferred veggies. Potatoes and carrots are great options.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 206
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 75.9mg
  • Fat: 13.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6g
  • Fiber: 0.6g
  • Protein: 18.2g
  • Cholesterol: 84.8mg

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About the Author

Sharon Chen, StreetSmart Kitchen
Sharon Chen

Sharon Chen is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, an author and a sous vide fanatic who believes food not only brings healing but also connection. As the creator of StreetSmart Kitchen, she's on a mission to help you find balance, ease, joy, and simplicity in the kitchen as you improve your well-being.