Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: the easy recipe to make rotisserie-style chicken in slow cooker

A slow cooker is a quintessential appliance in the kitchen. It’s a hands-off, one-step preparation approach to making wholesome, satisfying meals, and is perfect for busy individuals. This slow cooker whole chicken recipe is just what you need for nights when you need a nutritious rotisserie-style chicken dish, without all the fuss or hassle.

The crockpot chicken is juicy and tender, and it’s super easy to make. No need to buy expensive ingredients. Grab a whole bird, lemons, rosemary, and seasoning, and you’re one step closer to a delicious dinner.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Ingredients

Chicken – use fresh chicken. If frozen, allow it to thaw first before adding it to the slow cooker.

Lemons – use ripe lemons

Herbs – use fresh herbs instead of dry

Seasoning – use any of your favorite spices, but even a basic seasoning mix of salty, pepper, and garlic powder will be delicious

How To Make A Whole Chicken In The Slow Cooker

Remove a whole chicken from its packaging and pat dry with a paper towel. Slice the lemons and prepare the rub by mixing the spices with olive oil.

Use the rub and season the chicken all over, also under the skin and inside the cavity. You can also stuff the chicken with additional lemon slices and extra garlic. Layer the lemon slices on the bottom of the slow cooker, add the rosemary, and place the chicken on top.

There’s no need to brown the chicken beforehand! Cook according to specifications. Carve and enjoy!

Do You Need To Add Water For Slow Cooker Chicken? 

There’s no need to add water to the pot, unless you’re making this in an instant pot, then you can add ½ cup water!

How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken In The Slow Cooker?

A 2-3 lb chicken will cook for about 4-5 hours on low, while a larger 5 lb chicken will take about 6 hours.

On high a 4 lb chicken will take 2-3 hours. Make sure to check the internal temperature that it registers at 165°F.

If you want the meat to be “fall-of-the-bone” tender, add 1-2 hours to the cooking time.

Can I Make Crispy Chicken In The Slow Cooker?

The chicken skin won’t get as crispy in the slow cooker. If you want the skin to be crispy, transfer the whole chicken to a baking tin and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until crispy.

How To Make A Gravy For Crockpot Whole Chicken

Make a gravy from the pan drippings. Once you’ve removed the chicken, whisk in a mixture of flour and butter to thicken the sauce. You can also use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Tips

Make this meal more nutritious by serving it with vegetables. Chop them roughly, and place them on the bottom of the slow cooker, nestling the chicken on top. Vegetables that will go well with this dish: carrots, zucchini, celery, red onion, and potatoes.

Make sure to follow the cooking times according to the weight of your chicken, to ensure perfectly juicy chicken.

How To Use Chicken Leftovers

Use leftover chicken for soups, sandwiches, tacos, chicken nachos, burritos, pasta, and even salads!

How To Store Crockpot Whole Chicken

Store leftovers in the fridge (in an airtight container) for up to 3 days.

Instructions

Using a small sharp knife, remove the skin from the chicken.

Combine vegetable oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together.

Slice the lemon into thick slices.

Cover chicken with oil mixture.

Layer half of the rosemary on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Place the chicken on top and cover with more rosemary and lemon slices.

Place a few lemon slices inside the chicken and cover with leftover rosemary springs.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then remove the meat from the bones, carve, and serve.