Crockpot Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium carrots
chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes
chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 pound whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
cut in half
- 4-6 sprigs fresh rosemary or fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
optional, for gravy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
optional, for gravy
Directions
- 1
Place the onion, carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer as much as possible.
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together the spice rub ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper.
- 3
Place the chicken in a baking dish to catch any excess juices. If there is a bag of innards in the cavity of the chicken, remove it and discard. Drain out any liquid that may be in the cavity.
- 4
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin around the breasts. Rub the olive oil and then the spice rub over the chicken, rubbing some of the seasoning under the skin on the breasts if possible.
- 5
Place the lemon pieces and fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs in the cavity of the chicken. Optional: tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- 6
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, breast side up. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken registers at least 165° F in the thickest part of the leg, not touching the bone. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during the cook time, as this can cause too much heat to escape the slow cooker.
- 7
You can serve the chicken and vegetables as is, or use the following steps to brown the chicken and vegetables and make a gravy.
Crockpot Whole Chicken
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 25 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal with minimal fuss? This Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken alongside savory vegetables, all with the incredible ease of your slow cooker. It’s the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked dinner without standing over the stove.This recipe truly shines by leveraging the magic of slow cooking. The gentle heat ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and flavorful, while the aromatic herbs and vegetables infuse every bite. It transforms simple pantry staples into a deeply satisfying dish, making weeknight dinners feel effortless yet special.You can expect a wonderfully succulent whole chicken, perfectly seasoned with a fragrant blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. The accompanying vegetables—sweet carrots, tender potatoes, and aromatic onions—become incredibly soft and imbued with the chicken’s rich juices. The addition of half a lemon and fresh rosemary or thyme elevates the flavor profile, creating a balanced and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.This versatile recipe welcomes your personal touch. Feel free to swap Yukon gold potatoes for red potatoes, or mix in other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. For a different herbaceous note, fresh thyme can easily substitute for rosemary. If you're looking to create a simple gravy, the optional butter and flour can be used with the pan drippings for a rich, comforting addition.This Crockpot Whole Chicken makes a complete meal all on its own, ideal for family dinners or a cozy evening in. Serve it directly from the slow cooker for an informal, comforting presentation that invites everyone to dig in.