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Easy Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe (Juicy & Tender)

A tender, flavorful whole chicken made in the slow cooker with paprika, herbs, lemon, onion, and garlic. Finish it under the broiler for crisp, golden skin if desired.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 4–5 pound chicken Whole chicken, preferably thawed
Aromatics
  • 1 medium Medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon Lemon, quartered or halved
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves, lightly crushed
Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Liquid
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Remove the giblets and excess fat from the chicken. Pat the entire bird very dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture over every part of the chicken, working some beneath the breast skin when possible.
  4. Place the onion, lemon, and crushed garlic inside the cavity. Set the chicken breast-side up in the crockpot, adding the optional chicken broth around it.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer the chicken to a platter and rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. Strain the cooking liquid for gravy or spoon it over each serving.

Notes

For crisp skin, place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely. Avoid opening the slow cooker repeatedly. A chicken larger than about 5 pounds may cook unevenly in a standard crockpot.