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Home » Recipe Type » Dinner » Chicken
4.7 from 21 reviews

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (4 Hours)

4 hours 10 minutes
carrotceleryonionpotato
By: Pamela Reed
Posted:8/23/22
Updated:4/16/25
Jump to Recipe

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.

whole chicken in slow cooker

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.

juicy chicken drumstick with skin on it placed in front of whole chicken

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.

vegetables on bottom of slow coooker.

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.

whole chicken with spices on it 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!

pats of butter on top of chicken in slow cooker.

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!

juicy whole chicken cooked in slow cooker sitting on cutting board

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!

Pin for later:

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.
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4.72 from 21 reviews

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (4 Hours)

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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.
By: Pamela Reed
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours
Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
serves 6

Ingredients

  • 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!

Video:

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 600kcal (30%)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

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4.72 from 21 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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  1. Rhonda Jenkins says

    June 12, 2024 at 6:04 pm

    This was the best crockpot chicken I have ever made it was so moist and delicious

    Reply
  2. Dawn Davenport says

    March 17, 2023 at 1:23 am

    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!!

    Reply
  3. Connie says

    October 26, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    What size slow cooker do I need for this recipe?

    Reply
  4. Steve Passehl says

    August 23, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    I really do love to see these economical and simple recipes. Our family will eat like royalty and I’ll be a hero.

    Reply
  5. Tara says

    February 18, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    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.

    Reply
  6. linda says

    November 15, 2020 at 9:43 am

    I am trying this recipe right now i put green onion,ans instead of salt i used garlic salt and added minced garlic also

    Reply
  7. Hayley Russell says

    June 26, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    My family loved this receipe, tasty & succulent meal in one!

    Reply
  8. George says

    May 9, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    Made this yesterday, and added red pepper flakes for some heat. We really liked it served with mashed potatoes.

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      May 10, 2019 at 9:33 am

      I love that you added some red pepper flakes! Thanks for commenting and letting me know you liked the recipe!

      Reply
  9. Erin says

    January 19, 2019 at 9:29 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      January 21, 2019 at 1:41 pm

      Hey Erin, you could cook it for 7 hours on low.

      Reply
  10. Rebecca says

    December 5, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    Just curious what everyone does with leftovers. Would chicken prepared this way do well in salads?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      December 5, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      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!).

      Reply
  11. Shea says

    November 11, 2018 at 10:41 am

    Has anyone used a large round crock pot ? Wondering if chicken is to big and I will need an oval crock pot.. ? thank you.

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      November 11, 2018 at 8:42 pm

      Hey Shea, how many quarts is your crock pot?

      Reply
  12. Sandy says

    October 26, 2018 at 9:36 am

    Do you have suggestions for non starch veggies? I am definitely going to try but eating low carb. Thank u

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      October 26, 2018 at 10:50 am

      You could use cabbage, brussels sprouts, celery, or turnips – all would be good with this!

      Reply
  13. Rachel says

    October 23, 2018 at 12:40 am

    Does the chicken need to be thawed?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      October 23, 2018 at 9:08 am

      Hey Rachel, yes, the chicken should be thawed before putting it in the slow cooker.

      Reply
  14. Merrill says

    August 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
  15. Kristen says

    July 31, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    I’ve made something similar but seasoned the chicken with basil, and for liquid I use white wine! 🙂

    Reply
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Hi! I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. Let's make dinner together.

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