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Once you try this Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe you won’t cook a whole chicken any other way. It is seriously so good and loaded with flavor. I’m pretty sure it is safe to say that this slow cooker whole chicken is life-changing.
As a busy my of 8, this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe makes my life so much easier. You will be shocked how easily you can make this crockpot recipe so that you won’t need to buy the rotisserie chicken at the grocery store.
With just a steps, you can make it at home in just a few minutes of prep time. You may also love Crock Pot Chicken Breast Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
We love making this whole chicken in the slow cooker for many reason. The chicken can be seasoned with many different spices for delicious flavors. We like to make it to meal prep our meals for the week and I have even made it Thanksgiving.
Save money and make a whole chicken at home that taste better than the store bought kind.
Ingredients
- Whole Chicken
- Onions
- Olive Oil
- Paprika
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
There are so many different ways to serve up this crockpot whole chicken. Sometimes I will put the chicken on top of other veggies such as potatoes, celery and carrots. The juices from the chicken make them extra delicious, too.
I also like to change up my seasoning from time to time. If you like garlic, you can make a 40 clove garlic chicken in your crockpot. Simply stuff your chicken with 3 heads, or approximately 40 cloves of garlic, smear the skin with butter and salt and pepper and cook as directed below.
We have even add in fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary for delicious flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon and use onion powder for amazing flavor.
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Crockpot
Step 1 – Cut the onions into large slices and place the sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot. This keeps your chicken above the juices and gives you that rotisserie flavor.
Step 2 – Place the chicken breast side up, on top of the onions inside the crockpot. Use a basting brush to rub the olive oil all over the skin of the chicken.
Step 3 – Stir together all the seasonings. Sprinkle this mixture onto the chicken and use the basting brush to evenly spread the seasoning mixture onto the chicken.
Step 4 – Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours, or cook on high for 2-3 hours. Make sure chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove chicken from crockpot and serve.
- Step 5 – If you want to have crispy skin like you get with roasted chicken, place the chicken in a baking dish or cookie sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Recipe Tips
- Seasoning Chicken – Place the seasoning over the entire chicken for the best flavor.
- Cooking Time – Cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is full cooked before removing from the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
We love to pair this with our Pressure cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe with homemade White Gravy and Broccoli in the Microwave for a complete and easy dinner idea!
We also like this easy Crock Pot Ham Recipe. So simple! You can also learn how to roast a turkey.
Check out 28 Best Rotisserie Chicken Sides for more ideas.
Ways to use leftover Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken
- Toss it in this recipe for a quick and easy chicken noodle soup
- Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is perfect for this leftover chicken
- Add it to your salads for a delicious chicken salad.
- Make chicken and cheese quesadillas
- Make chicken burritos
- Add it to make a quick chicken tortilla soup
- Find more Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
- Make Chicken Stock with the chicken carcass.
The chicken in this crockpot whole chicken recipe falls off the bone! It is so tender and every bite is filled with flavor and is so juicy! I can’t believe I’ve been buying these from the grocery store when they’re so easy to make at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The perfect recipe to meal prep with.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked whole chicken. We recommend shredding the chicken once cooked and place in a freezer container or ziplock freezer bag. If frozen properly, then chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or the oven depending on how much you have leftover.
More Whole Chicken Recipes
Mor Easy Crock Pot Recipes
- Crock pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Crock pot Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Thai Peanut Chicken
- Lazy Day Crock pot Lasagna Recipe
- Crock pot Sweet and Sour meatballs
- Pork Tenderloin Tacos with Peach Salsa
- Cheesy Pierogi & Keilbasa Casserole
- Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Peach Dump Cake
- Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken Recipe
We love hearing from you. If you make this Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Crockpot Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-6 lbs)
- 2 onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions into large thick slices. Place them at the bottom of a crock pot.
- Place the chicken in the crock pot (breast side up). Use a basting brush to rub the olive oil all over the skin of the chicken.
- Mix all the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and use the basting brush to coat the chicken with the seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours, or cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Make sure chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove chicken from crock pot carefully.
- Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes. Then slice and serve. Enjoy!
Yes that should work.
Can I add stuffing to the inside before cooking? Planning on cooking on high for 4 hours
They would be delicious in our pan fried potatoes recipe or our Fried Onion Burger Recipe!
Do you have any suggestions for those beautiful onions that are left over? I’m not a Chef, I’m a recipe cook, so I had no idea about what to do with them.
P.S. This is the “first” whole chicken I’ve ever cooked.
I would thaw it first.
If working with a frozen bird, do I need to thaw the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
Delicious! So easy to make! Had stuffing and veggie as sides. Mine was a 6 pounder so left it cook extra 1/2 an hour! Will definitely make again!
Delicious n Easy!
I will make again n my husband loved!
Made this for dinner tonight. Oh my goodness sooo tender and tasty. Makes a fantastic broth too. My husband loved it also. ? I have a picture.
I would replace the aluminum balls with the potatoes and carrots if you prefer.