Description
This Crockpot whole chicken recipe delivers a perfectly tender and flavorful chicken with minimal prep time. Using simple ingredients like garlic, herbs, and lemon, this slow-cooked chicken results in juicy meat and crispy skin. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe is versatile for meal prepping and offers multiple leftover options for salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 4–5 pounds), giblets removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2–3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh herb sprigs (such as rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the quartered onion and garlic cloves at the bottom of the crockpot to create a bed for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub it with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and rosemary, and rub the mixture evenly on the chicken.
- Stuff the Cavity: Place the lemon halves and fresh herb sprigs inside the chicken’s cavity.
- Place in Crockpot: Set the chicken breast-side up on the onion and garlic bed.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Optional Crisping: Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes for crispy skin.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can stuff the chicken with soft herb butter before cooking.
- You can add citrus such as oranges or limes for a zesty twist.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and celery at the bottom of the crockpot to make a one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
