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.
Crockpot Whole Chicken
This easy crockpot whole chicken recipe makes a delicious dinner with minimal effort, cooking both a tender whole chicken and vegetables at the same time. 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.
My Crockpot Secret to Juicy Chicken
The secret to juicy, flavorful slow cooker chicken is all about how you cook it—and where you place it. Adding broth keeps everything moist, but the real trick is creating a “shelf” so the chicken doesn’t rest directly 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.
Vegetable Swapping
Although I think this recipe is perfect with potatoes, carrots, celery and onion, there’s no reason why you can’t swap vegetables depending what’s in season. 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!
Storing Leftover Chicken
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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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (4 Hours)
PrintIngredients
- 4 cups vegetables chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, onions
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4-6 pound whole chicken giblets removed
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Chop up 4 cups of vegetables of your choice. I like a variety of potatoes, carrots, celery and onion, but do whatever your family likes best! Place the vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth on top of the vegetables and mix.
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper all over the chicken, top and bottom.
- Place chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of butter on top of chicken.
- Close lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Serve and enjoy!
Rhonda Jenkins says
This was the best crockpot chicken I have ever made it was so moist and delicious
Dawn Davenport says
This was delicious and so easy! All of my kids loved it. I followed the recipe as written and then put under the broiler for 3-5 min to crisp up the skin a little bit. Probably would have been fine without that additional step!!
Connie says
What size slow cooker do I need for this recipe?
Steve Passehl says
I really do love to see these economical and simple recipes. Our family will eat like royalty and I’ll be a hero.
Tara says
Really nice and easy! I did a few little things differently. My chicken was only 1.5kg as my slow cooker is quite small. I also added crushed garlic, and worcestershire sauce. And I gave it an extra hour to make sure it was fully cooked everywhere. Finally, chucked a load more salt and pepper in with one hour to go. Was delicious.
linda says
I am trying this recipe right now i put green onion,ans instead of salt i used garlic salt and added minced garlic also
Hayley Russell says
My family loved this receipe, tasty & succulent meal in one!
George says
Made this yesterday, and added red pepper flakes for some heat. We really liked it served with mashed potatoes.
Pamela says
I love that you added some red pepper flakes! Thanks for commenting and letting me know you liked the recipe!
Erin says
If I wanted to put this on low bc I won’t be home. How long would I cook it? I know it’s 4hrs on high but curious how long on low?
Pamela says
Hey Erin, you could cook it for 7 hours on low.
Rebecca says
Just curious what everyone does with leftovers. Would chicken prepared this way do well in salads?
Pamela says
Hey Rebecca, you can definitely use it in salads! I also love making shredded chicken noodle soup with it! (PS. You can freeze it too!).
Shea says
Has anyone used a large round crock pot ? Wondering if chicken is to big and I will need an oval crock pot.. ? thank you.
Pamela says
Hey Shea, how many quarts is your crock pot?
Sandy says
Do you have suggestions for non starch veggies? I am definitely going to try but eating low carb. Thank u
Pamela says
You could use cabbage, brussels sprouts, celery, or turnips – all would be good with this!
Rachel says
Does the chicken need to be thawed?
Pamela says
Hey Rachel, yes, the chicken should be thawed before putting it in the slow cooker.
Merrill says
I’ve recently bought a slow cooker and today, I am initiating it by making your whole chicken recipe. It sounds interesting and easy. I am looking forward to the finished product. Thanks for sharing your recipe. If it comes out as pretty as yours, I’ll snap a photo.
Kristen says
I’ve made something similar but seasoned the chicken with basil, and for liquid I use white wine! 🙂