Perfect Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: Juicy, Tender & Incredibly Easy
Imagine a whole roasted chicken, so tender and juicy that it literally falls off the bone, bursting with savory flavors, and requiring minimal effort. This isn’t just a dream; it’s exactly what you get with this amazing crockpot roasted chicken recipe! It’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen, delivering a comforting, homestyle meal that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and remarkably versatile. With just one simple dish, you unlock a world of culinary options, making it an incredibly economical choice for any busy household. And yes, I really wanted to say “best bang for your cluck!”
Like many home cooks, I have an undeniable love affair with my crockpot. If you don’t share this sentiment yet, prepare to join the slow-cooking revolution! I’ve come to realize that my affection for the slow cooker isn’t just based on its general convenience, but also on how perfectly it adapts to different seasons and occasions. Whether it’s simmering a hearty stew in winter or effortlessly cooking a main dish without heating up the kitchen in summer, my crockpot is always a kitchen hero.
Why Choose Crockpot Roasted Chicken?
Cooking a whole chicken in your slow cooker is a game-changer, offering a multitude of benefits that traditional oven roasting often can’t match. The gentle, consistent heat of the crockpot ensures your chicken remains incredibly moist, preventing it from drying out, which is a common challenge with oven methods. This slow-cooking process also tenderizes the meat to perfection, making it incredibly easy to shred or carve. It’s truly a “set-it-and-forget-it” meal, allowing you to go about your day while dinner practically cooks itself.
If you’ve never roasted a whole chicken in the crockpot before, prepare to be amazed. It’s simple, undeniably delicious, and incredibly versatile. Once you try it, you’ll be asking yourself why you haven’t done it sooner!
Of course, if time is of the essence and you need a quicker solution, this Classic Oven Roasted Chicken recipe is an excellent alternative that still delivers fantastic flavor.
Unlocking Endless Culinary Possibilities
The beauty of a perfectly roasted crockpot chicken lies not only in its ease of preparation but also in its incredible versatility. A single whole chicken can transform into numerous meals throughout the week, maximizing its value and your meal-planning efforts. Here are just a few ideas:
- Main Course: Serve your succulent roast chicken sliced alongside classic sides. Our absolute favorite pairing is with cheddar mashed potatoes. Other excellent choices include roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
- Shredded Chicken for Recipes: Once cooked, the chicken easily shreds or chops, making it perfect for a variety of dishes. Think chicken tacos, quesadillas, chicken salad sandwiches, or as a filling for hearty casserole recipes. It’s also fantastic in pasta dishes or as a pizza topping.
- Savory Gravy: Don’t let those flavorful drippings go to waste! The juices that collect at the bottom of the crockpot are liquid gold. Use them as a base to make a rich, homemade gravy that will elevate any meal. Simply strain them, thicken with a cornstarch slurry, and season to taste.
- Homemade Broth: After you’ve enjoyed all the delicious meat, save the leftover bones. They are perfect for making a nutritious batch of homemade chicken broth. This broth can then be used in soups, stews, risottos, or as a flavorful base for cooking grains. It’s a fantastic way to ensure zero waste and maximum flavor from your whole chicken.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Crockpot Roast Chicken
While cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Here are our top tips for the best crockpot roasted chicken:
- Tie the Legs with Kitchen Twine: This simple step makes a big difference. Chicken roasted in the crockpot becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. So tender, in fact, that the wings and legs might simply fall off when you try to remove it from the slow cooker. Tying the legs together with kitchen twine helps to keep your chicken intact, making it much easier to transfer from the crockpot to your serving platter without it falling apart. It also promotes more even cooking.
- Create a Rack with Aluminum Foil Balls: To prevent the bottom of your chicken from stewing in its own juices and to encourage more even roasting, create a makeshift rack. Take about 5-6 pieces of aluminum foil, each roughly 1.5 inches, and crumple them into firm balls. Place these balls in the bottom of your slow cooker before adding the chicken. This lifts the chicken above the accumulating liquid, allowing air to circulate and ensuring the meat steams rather than boils. For smaller crockpots, you might only need 3-4 balls.
- Achieve Crispy Skin (Optional): If you prefer a golden, crispy skin on your roasted chicken – a texture that slow cooking typically doesn’t provide – there’s an easy trick. After your chicken is fully cooked in the crockpot, carefully transfer it to an oven-safe baking tray. Place it under a preheated broiler for just a few minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning. This quick blast of high heat will crispen the skin beautifully.
- Pat Dry for Best Seasoning: Before applying any seasoning, always rinse your chicken and then thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures that the melted butter and spice rub adhere perfectly to the skin, creating a delicious crust and locking in flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: A generous and even application of seasoning is crucial for a flavorful chicken. Make sure to rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including underneath the wings and legs, and don’t forget a small sprinkle inside the cavity.
- Check for Doneness: The safest way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken and the specific slow cooker model.
Crockpot Roasted Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Rinse your whole chicken thoroughly under cold water and then pat it completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for the seasoning to adhere well. Secure the legs together with kitchen twine to help the chicken hold its shape and cook evenly.
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In a small bowl, combine the seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle a small amount of this seasoning mixture inside the chicken cavity.
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Brush the entire exterior of the chicken with the melted butter. Then, generously and thoroughly coat the outside of the chicken with the remaining seasoning blend, ensuring it’s evenly distributed over all surfaces.
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Form 5-6 small balls from aluminum foil (each about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place these foil balls into the bottom of your slow cooker. Carefully place the seasoned chicken on top of these foil balls. This will suspend the chicken above the juices that will collect, allowing it to steam rather than boil, resulting in better texture.
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Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature, measured in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone), reaches a minimum of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker, remove the twine, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Roasted Chicken
Do I need to add liquid to the crockpot?
No, you do not need to add any additional liquid. The chicken will release plenty of its own juices as it cooks slowly, creating a wonderfully flavorful base that can be used for gravy or simply enjoyed with the meat.
Can I put vegetables in the crockpot with the chicken?
Absolutely! You can place hardy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, or celery around the chicken. They will cook in the savory drippings and absorb all the delicious flavors. Just make sure to cut them into larger chunks so they don’t turn mushy during the long cooking time.
How long can I store leftover crockpot chicken?
Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s excellent for meal prep throughout the week.
Can I freeze cooked whole chicken?
Yes, you can! Once the chicken has cooled completely, you can shred or chop the meat and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. This is perfect for having quick meal starters on hand for future casseroles, soups, or sandwiches.
What kind of slow cooker is best for a whole chicken?
A 6-quart or 7-quart oval-shaped slow cooker is ideal for cooking a whole chicken, as it provides enough space for the bird to fit comfortably. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you might need to spatchcock (butterfly) your chicken or use a smaller bird.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a truly simple yet incredibly satisfying way to prepare a whole roasted chicken. This crockpot method ensures a tender, juicy, and flavorful meal every time, freeing up your oven and your time. It’s the ultimate homestyle comfort food, made effortless. Embrace the ease and versatility of slow cooking, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Now on a completely unrelated note. When I was shopping for the chicken for this post, I bought three chickens and every single one was missing half a wing on one side! Weird little pirate-looking chickens! I wonder what happened… sticking with the pirate theory. Arrr!