Whole Crockpot Chicken Recipe

The Whole Crockpot Chicken Recipe has little prep time and hardly any cleanup. Cooking your whole chicken in the crockpot will yield juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for pulling it apart.

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more info.

Cook a Whole Chicken in Your Crockpot for Stress-Free Meals All Week

I love my crockpot, and I’m sure you do too. What could be easier than throwing a few ingredients in your crockpot in the morning, and then having dinner ready at the end of the day?

But what happens when you want to cook an entire chicken in your crockpot? That’s where this whole crockpot chicken recipe comes in handy!

This method for cooking a whole chicken in your crockpot yields moist, tender meat and flavorful broth that you can use to make soup or gravies all week long!

I don't know about you, but cooking dinner has been stressing me out lately.

Between classes, extracurriculars, and homework, it feels like the day goes by way too fast to cook dinner. I feel the same way!

So how do we solve this dilemma? I've found that by cooking a whole chicken on Sunday night and then slicing it up for meals all week, it makes life so much easier on weekday nights.

Plus, it is one less thing to worry about when you get home from school or work!

Crockpots are great because they provide an easy way to cook food without much effort.

So, when you want something comforting and delicious, this is the perfect solution.

Cooking your whole chicken in the crockpot will yield juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for pulling it apart.

The best part about cooking this way is that it leaves very little prep time and cuts down on cleanup!

Once you have all your ingredients together, it’s just a matter of tossing them into the crock pot and letting the magic happen.

Other Uses for the Crockpot

To get the most out of your Crockpot and dinner routine, here are some simple suggestions to help you mix it up!

Try using your crockpot as an oven by baking potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil at 400 degrees F.

If you want to go meatless one night per week, try topping veggies with marinara sauce and either zucchini or eggplant slices.

You can even toss cherry tomatoes into the crock pot with some balsamic vinegar to make delicious gazpacho soup.

And if you want to make your meal just a little bit fancier than usual, top the dish with lots of crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil before serving.

It doesn't have to be complicated, but it will be delicious!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken

• Slow Cooker Potatoes and Corn Side Dish - This simple slow cooker potatoes and corn side dish is made in the slow cooker with ranch seasoning, bacon, and shredded cheese.  
• Instant Pot Salt Potatoes Recipe - Learn how to make this classic New York side dish, Syracuse salt potatoes! Make a flavorful and hearty dinner in just 30 minutes with the help of your electric pressure cooker.
• Bacon Roasted Potatoes Recipe - These Bacon Roasted Potatoes recipe are sprinkled with bacon, cheddar cheese, and parsley and roasted until crispy making an easy, irresistible side dish.
• Creamy Lemon Asparagus Orzo - Creamy Lemon Asparagus Orzo recipe makes a perfect side dish or even a full meal if you add chicken. It’s cheesy, creamy, and kids are crazy about it. Ready in Under 30 minutes!
• Easy Spiral Pasta Salad Recipe - easy Spiral Pasta Salad recipe can be put together quickly so you can make this when you get that last-minute invitation to come over for dinner.
• Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots - Maple brown sugar Glazed Carrots. Quick and easy roasted carrots! Roasting always brings out the best in carrots. The caramelized edges are the BEST!

Slow Cooker Chicken

Yields: 6 servings

Prep: 5 minutes| Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes 

Crockpot Chicken Ingredients

• Whole chicken 
• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cooking spray
• Optional garnish: freshly chopped parsley
• For exact amounts, please see the printable recipe card below.

Additional materials needed:

• Aluminum foil
• Slow Cooker
• Crockpot liners (optional)

How to Make a Whole Chicken in a Crockpot

Remove and discard the bag of innards from the cavity of the chicken. Drain any liquid from the chicken and use paper towels to soak up any excess moisture on the skin.

In a small bowl add brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine. Rub the spice mixture over all exposed areas of the chicken.

Spray the inside of a large crock pot with cooking spray or use a disposable liner.

Roll a large piece of foil into a ring shape and place it in the bottom of the greased crock pot. Place the chicken on top of the foil ring.

Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high.

Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and broil on high in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken skin is nicely browned and slightly crispy. 

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve.

Kitchen Notes

• Strain the chicken drippings through a fine mesh strainer. Discard the solids and spoon the liquid onto the chicken, mashed potatoes, etc. It has a fabulous flavor.
• Depending on the size, the stainless steel trivet from a pressure cooker or instant pot may be used in place of the aluminum foil ring in the bottom of the crock pot.
• Chopped vegetables may also be used to elevate the chicken in place of the foil ring. Things like chopped onions, potatoes, and carrots work very well with this recipe. Just simply place it in the bottom of the crock pot and add the chicken on top. 

Be sure to pin it for later and follow us on Pinterest.