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Crockpot whole chicken that anyone can make! This is the easiest way to enjoy a juicy, rotisserie like chicken by only using a crockpot.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
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This slow cooker whole chicken is dedicated to all of my favorite friends that claim that they can’t cook.  I bet you a million dollars that this tender slow cooker whole chicken will turn out perfect for you.

Whole Chicken in a slow cooker.

This tender slow cooker whole chicken was so moist that I could not even lift it out of the crock. Can you see where I tried and the chicken totally fell apart? I’m serious, I finally lifted it out and all that was left was a pile of bones. The bones were no longer in the carcass shape either.

How Long Will Cooked Chicken Keep?

Chicken should be tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container to store.

Properly stored, cooked chicken will keep for 3-4 days.

Tender Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

There’s nothing like cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot. It’s the easiest way to do it as there’s no tying of kitchen twine, no roasting pan, no watching the oven and the internal temperature. You just set it and forget it.

Is it Safe to Cook Chicken in a Slow Cooker?

Although it seems that cooking food at such a low temperature might be dangerous, slow cookers are, in fact safe, according to the USDA.

When you use a slow cooker, food stays at 170-280 degrees in a tightly covered container.

Are a Slow Cooker and Crockpot the Same Thing?

A crock pot is actually a type of slow cooker, so they are very similar, but not all slow cookers are also crock pots.

A crock pot is a type of slow cooker with a stoneware pot that sits inside a surrounding heating element.

A slow cooker is a usually metal pot that sits on top of a heating surface.

Whole Chicken on a wood cutting board.

The chicken is delicious and you could add whatever spices or sauce suits  your fancy. I reaaaaaaaally wanted a rotisserie, but this recipe is seriously just as good. Cross my heart.

Pulling apart Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.

How Long to Defrost a Whole Chicken

I only want to remind you of two things,
1. Defrost your whole chicken the day before. It will take at least all day in the fridge to defrost. You can buy a fresh one if you are too nervous that you wont defrost it all the way.

How to Pronounce Giblets

Just really quick can we correct one thing? It’s “JIB-LITS” not “GIB-LETS”. Sorry but we should all know how to pronounce giblets because it may not be what you would think.

What are Giblets

The giblets (now that we are all pronouncing it correctly) are the heart, neck, liver, and gizzards that are packaged and stored in the cavity of a chicken or turkey. So if you ever wondered, what are giblets, now you know, it’s the inside stuff.

Why Remove Giblets from Chicken

2. Remove the giblets. These are great for making a really fantastic gravy but you don’t need them otherwise. Don’t be scared. Just reach in there and pull it out. You don’t want those baked in there.

Shredded Slow Cooker Whole Chicken on a wood cutting board.

If you do not have fresh garlic or thyme, don’t run to the store, just use dry thyme and garlic powder. Probably 1 Teaspoon powder.

More CrockPot Recipes:

4.05 from 185 votes

Tender Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

By Carrian Cheney
Prep5 minutes
Cook8 hours
Total8 hours 5 minutes
Servings1 whole chicken
This is the easiest way to enjoy a juicy, rotisserie like chicken by only using a crockpot. Slow cooker whole chicken that anyone can make!
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Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • 1 Whole Chicken, 4-6 lb, giblets removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme, or 1/2 tsp Dried
  • 1 Clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Instructions 

  • Take the whole chicken and rinse it inside and out with water.
    1 Whole Chicken
  • Pat dry and set aside.
  • Mix together all of the seasonings in a small dish.
    1/2 teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper, 1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme, 1 Clove Garlic, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, 2 teaspoon Paprika, 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • Using your fingers, gently lift the skin over the breasts by sliding your fingers up towards the neck to separate the skin and meat.
  • Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, over the skin and underneath right onto the breast meat.
  • Place the chicken in a crock pot on low for 8 hours.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove from the crock pot and serve with potatoes, and veggies.
  • There is plenty of liquid if you wish to make a gravy.
  • Just heat the liquid in a pot and mix a little cornstarch and cold water.
  • Once the liquid is boiling add a little to the cornstarch so it heats it up a bit, and slowly add it to the liquid, whisking vigorously.
  • Season as needed.

Recipe Notes

Left overs can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ounces, Calories: 215kcal, Protein: 14.3g, Cholesterol: 56mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About The Author

Carrian Cheney

Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.

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4.05 from 185 votes (176 ratings without comment)

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140 Comments

  1. jeninga75 says:

    Was looking for a crockpot recipe like this and found yours. Heading to the kitchen right now to get started! Also looking foward to looking over the rest of the blog.

  2. Linda says:

    Another online recipe for crockpot roasted chicken says to place the finished bird under the broiler for a few minutes because the “flabby white skin” is otherwise unappetizing. Do you find this is true? The finished product in your photo looks pretty appetizing . . . . Thanks!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Linda, nope! I mean, I can totally see how that could happen to some birds depending on cooking time, temp and ingredients, but because it cooks for so long on low and the salt in the rub helps dry out the skin ours was crispy perfection. If all else fails, stick it under the broiler but we truly didn’t need to at all. Thanks for stopping by!!!

  3. Santo Vonruden says:

    I simply want to say I am very new to blogging and definitely liked you’re blog site. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You really come with tremendous well written articles. Bless you for revealing your website page.

  4. Cami says:

    I can't wait to try this! Is that teaspoons or tablespoons of the spices? Trying your honey roasted chicken tomorrow!

  5. Bailey says:

    I tried this recipe- it was delicious! Even though I warned my boyfriend that it would be tender, he used tongs to lift the breast and the whole body separated itself from the legs. Great flavor, easy to prepare and the right amount of spiciness- can't wait to try more of your recipes!

  6. Atlanta Foodie says:

    This sounds great! I like roasting my chicken but this is def a good substitute to get a moist chicken! Thanks!

  7. pink queen says:

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  8. Carrie says:

    I do a similar crock pot roasted chicken. My family LOVES it. I <3 my crock pot!

  9. Jenni says:

    This looks delicious! I bet it was super moist, too! Crock pots are so awesome.

  10. Kalyn says:

    Looks delicious! And what an easy idea for dinner.