Crock Pot Whole Chicken

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Do you want to prepare the most delicious, juicy, and moist rotisserie chicken? I’ll reveal the secret so you can make it too!

Here, you can find the best slow cooker whole chicken recipe to surprise your family or friends at the next dinner with an unforgettable dish!

If you have a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot, you can cook a whole chicken and vegetables together. After that, with the drippings, you can make the perfect gravy to add extra flavor to this incredible dish.

Everyone will love it! Also, chicken is a staple for dinnertime. Therefore, besides being the perfect recipe if you are craving a juicy bite, it’s also ideal for special occasions.

Do you want to learn how to prepare this amazing crockpot whole chicken recipe? Here’s everything you need to know!

What You’ll Love About This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Before checking out the ingredients and steps to prepare this recipe, let’s review why you should try it.

These are the reasons why I love this way of preparing whole chicken in the crock pot – and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it, too.

• This recipe allows us to cook a whole chicken in the best way possible, as it always turns out flavorful, juicy, and moist!
• It works well if you just want to cook a whole chicken or if you want to add vegetables to make a complete meal.
• This slow cooker whole chicken is easy to make. Even if you don’t have much experience cooking, you can prepare this recipe and surprise your loved ones. If you are working with a frozen chicken instead of a fresh chicken, try this recipe for Crockpot Frozen Chicken instead!
• If you make a whole chicken for only a few people, you can store the leftovers to make other recipes later!

How to Brown this Crock Pot Whole Chicken

If you want to brown this delicious rotisserie chicken version, you must follow these steps:

1. Preheat a boiler (pick one with a rack in the center of the oven)
2. Transfer chicken to a rimmed baking sheet, breast side up (remember to use a broiler-safe pan)
3. With a slotted spoon, place the vegetables around the chicken
4. Broil for about 5 minutes or until the skin of the chicken and the vegetables are brown
5. Cover the broiler with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes
6. Slice and serve!

How to Make the Gravy

With this recipe, we don’t have to waste anything! This slow cooker whole chicken cooks in its own juices, and we’ll use them, too!

If you want to make the gravy that I usually do to give this whole chicken crock pot more flavor, you need just a few minutes! Here’s what to do:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until both ingredients form a paste (you should only cook for about 30 seconds)
3. Slowly pour part of the juices left into the slow cooker, whisking constantly
4. Add the rest of the liquids, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (you should only wait about 5 minutes)
5. If you’re short of liquids, you can add chicken broth or bone broth to make the gravy lighter
6. Taste the gravy, and season with salt and pepper if necessary
7. Serve the gravy with the delicious chicken you prepared earlier!

Tips to Make a Delicious Crock Pot Chicken

If you love making chicken in a slow cooker, eating it roasted, or just preparing a big bird, then a crock pot chicken recipe is what you were looking for to change your meal prep plan.

Preparing a whole chicken takes time, but once you try out my recipe, you’ll see that it was worth it. It’s delicious enough to make you lick your fingers and crave for the next time you get to try it.

However, there are some tips you should try out if you want to take your meal to the next level. Take a look at my pro recommendations:

Make Overnight Chicken Stock

First off, you’ll have to pick all the meat from your chicken. Throw the bones and carcass into your crock pot and make sure you leave the cooking juices and onion in there too.

I prefer filling the crock pot with water first and then adding everything else. In addition, I often throw in some celery, parsley, onion, thyme, and garlic.

Using your leftover chicken to make stock is the best way to make sure you don’t throw any food away. Furthermore, the result will be delicious, so why not give it a go?

Remove the Meat Properly

I said you had to remove the meat to make the stock, but I should’ve mentioned you must make sure you’re doing it properly first. This step is essential.

You’ll need a fork and tongs to get rid of the large parts of the chicken – its thighs, wings, and legs. Put them away from the slow cooker so they can cool.

Grab a spoon (or use your fingers) and run it under each chicken breast, getting rid of the bones. Then, try to get the meat out in one piece.

You can serve the large parts whole if you want, but trimming them is also an option. Any remaining fat, bones, or skin will go inside the crock pot so you can make the stock.

Make This Recipe When You Need Something Nutritious and Budget-friendly

The part I love the most about this crock pot recipe is that it’s nutritious and inexpensive. You’ll take advantage of a whole chicken, and it’s a delicious option if you want to host a cheap meal at home.

Combine it with easy-to-make alternatives such as mashed potatoes, bread, and so on, and you’ll host a feast for your friends and family.

Adapt the Herbs and Spices You Use

This is the last tip I have for you, and it’s crucial: you must have fun!

Cooking is one of my favorite activities for a reason. When I grab a whole chicken and get in front of a slow cooker, I forget about the world. I may listen to a podcast or watch a video while I’m cooking, but overall, it allows me to unwind and let go.

You should feel the same when you’re cooking. Therefore, even though I’m giving you my delicious recipe for you to try out, have fun. Play around with the ingredients and feel free to alter the spices and herbs you’re using depending on your preferences!

Why to Try This Recipe Instead of Rotisserie Chicken

I love this chicken because you don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to get it right. You only need to combine different spices, put it on the slow cooker, and let it simmer.

In a few hours, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best meals you’ve ever tasted, and you’ll be the mastermind behind it! That’s why I think it’s one of the best chicken recipes to try!

On the contrary, rotisserie chicken is much more difficult to make the first few times, since you have to master the correct technique. This Oven Beer Can Chicken Recipe is a great alternative if you do not have a crock pot!

Thus, making this chicken is a fantastic and straightforward way to practice your cooking skills and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious, easy-to-make meal.

Plus, you can enjoy it with your friends and family, so what are you waiting for? I’d make it every week if I could!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, preparing a whole chicken in a crock pot is very easy! Also, I think using this appliance is the best way to cook chicken.

Traditional roasted chicken is usually dry. However, if we cook it in a slow cooker, it turns out juicy and moist.

Moreover, the result we get from this recipe is even better than the store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Also, we can store this leftover cooked chicken in the fridge for up to four days, and it will still be just as delicious and juicy as the first time we tried it! It’s perfect for making chicken salad or tacos when we don’t have much time.

This recipe is also very versatile. You can make seasoned chicken with a spice mixture for different flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Do with Your Leftover Chicken?

As I mentioned before, the best thing you can do with the cooked chicken you have left is to throw it on a crock pot and use it to make stock.

You can also reheat it and serve it with side dishes. However, you must remember that the chicken skin stops being crispy when it’s reheated!

Can You Cook a Frozen Chicken?

You shouldn’t put frozen chicken in a slow cooker for safety reasons. Therefore, try to thaw it out first, and then go for it!

Is This Safe to Cook in a Slow Cooker?

Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is completely safe as long as it’s thawed. If you want, you can always put it on high heat for the first hour, but it’s up to you.

How Long Should You Cook Chicken in a Crock Pot?

The average chicken will take about six or seven hours to be done in a slow cooker (a three to four-pound bird). However, how long it takes depends on the size of your bird.

Should You Add Water?

I don’t recommend you add water because your chicken will be soggy in the end. The onion and other ingredients will produce juices that’ll be good enough, so you don’t need to.

I Want Crispy Brown Skin – How Do I Get it?

I’m a fan of crispy skin on chicken, and I’m sure you are too. Getting it when you’re cooking it on a slow cooker is tricky, and you’ll need to know exactly what to do if this is the result you want.

My tip to get crispy skin is to put the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet. Then, place it under the broiler and leave it there for four to five minutes.

Let your chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving it, and you’re ready to go!