Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe That’s Juicy And Tender!

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this image shows perfectly cooked whole chicken is served on a square white plate, surrounded by caramelized onions that enhance its flavor, making for a hearty and comforting meal.

Main Course

Some recipes feel like they do all the heavy lifting for you—and this Crockpot Whole Chicken is one of them. When I first discovered how to make an entire roast chicken in a slow cooker, it felt like a small miracle.

No basting, no oven babysitting, and yet, the result is tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with rich, savory juices perfect for drizzling over rice or soaking up with crusty bread. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.

Here’s what makes this recipe stand out: it’s not just convenient—it’s healthier, too. Studies show that slow-cooked meals often retain more nutrients than other cooking methods, making this an ideal option for busy families looking for wholesome, balanced meals.

Plus, the simplicity of seasoning the chicken with a blend of pantry staples like garlic, thyme, and paprika lets the natural flavors shine. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen as this cook is enough to make everyone impatient for dinner.

It’s the perfect centerpiece for cozy weeknights, Sunday lunches, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Pair it with a light and refreshing Kani Salad or a crunchy Simple Oriental Asian Cabbage Salad for a complete, fuss-free meal.

So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s make this happen. Your future self will thank you!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

  • Set it and forget it: The crockpot transforms a simple chicken into a tender, flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort.
  • Juicy, not dry: Unlike some oven-roasted chickens, this method guarantees a moist and juicy result every single time.
  • Versatile flavors: The seasoning blend is classic yet customizable—swap in your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste.
  • Meal prep hero: Leftovers shred easily for tacos, salads, or soups, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.
  • Healthier cooking: Slow cooking locks in nutrients while avoiding the need for extra fats or oils.
this image shows perfectly cooked whole chicken is served on a square white plate, surrounded by caramelized onions that enhance its flavor, making for a hearty and comforting meal.

Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe

This Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy a tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Seasoned with a homemade spice rub and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s ideal for busy days when you crave a hearty, comforting meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • Crockpot
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife (for onion)
  • Resealable plastic bag (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup chopped onion (optional)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 large roasting chicken
  • 4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Mix spices in a small bowl.
    this image shows bowl filled with various spices and seasonings being mixed together, ready to coat the crockpot whole chicken for a flavorful dish.
  • Remove the giblets from the chicken, clean it, and pat it dry.
    this image shows A raw whole chicken is shown being prepared by patting it dry with paper towels, an essential step before applying spices and cooking.
  • Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated well.
    this image shows whole chicken being thoroughly coated with a spice mixture, ensuring it is evenly seasoned for flavorful and aromatic cooking.
  • For best results, place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight, though this step can be skipped if short on time.
    this image shows seasoned whole chicken is shown placed in a bowl and covered, resting in the refrigerator to allow the spices to penetrate for better flavor.
  • When ready to cook, spread chopped onions evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
    this image shows crockpot base is prepared with a generous layer of caramelized onions, creating a flavorful foundation for the whole chicken.
  • Place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions.
    this image shows seasoned whole chicken is gently placed in the crockpot on top of a bed of caramelized onions, ready for slow cooking.
  • Avoid adding liquid as the chicken will release its own juices.
    this image shows A tender and golden whole chicken, fresh out of the crockpot, sits with caramelized onions, ready for plating and serving.
  • Cover the crockpot with the lid.
    this image shows crockpot is shown cooking the whole chicken, surrounded by steam and onions, ensuring the meat turns tender and juicy.
  • Cook on low for 4-8 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
    this image shows A tender and golden whole chicken, fresh out of the crockpot, sits with caramelized onions, ready for plating and serving.
  • A pop-up timer in the chicken is highly recommended to account for variations in crockpot cooking times.
    this image shows beautifully cooked crockpot whole chicken is served on a plate with caramelized onions, showcasing its rich flavor and tender texture.

Notes

  • For crispier skin, broil the cooked chicken in the oven for a few minutes after removing it from the crockpot.
  • Save the flavorful juices in the crockpot to make a delicious gravy or broth.
NutritionValue
Calories320kcal
Carbohydrates1g
Fibre0.2g
Fat18g
Protein40g
Cholesterol120g

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Tags:

chicken recipes / crockpot / whole chicken

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