How to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot

Cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to achieve tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or simply looking for a delicious and effortless meal, crock pot chicken is a quick and easy one pot meal perfect for any night of the week. Follow this step-by-step guide and enjoy a mouthwatering whole chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pastured chicken from Acabonac Farms
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 pounds small potatoes and carrots cut to rough chunks

Instructions:

1. Defrost your chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Rinse the whole chicken inside and out under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs in a small bowl, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
5. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with quartered onion, peeled garlic cloves, and halved lemon. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with wonderful flavors as it cooks.
6. Pour chicken broth or water into the bottom of the slow cooker to create steam and prevent the chicken from sticking to the pot.
7. Place the seasoned and stuffed chicken into the slow cooker, breast side up.
8. Surround with your small potatoes and chopped carrots.
9. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your slow cooker.
10. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast and thighs, indicating that it is fully cooked.
11. Carefully remove the whole chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Surround the slow cooked chicken with your slow cooked vegetables and serve.

Optional Step for Crispy Skin:

If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Tips for Success:

• For added flavor, you can rub the chicken with your favorite dry rub or marinade before cooking.
• Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before placing it in the crock pot to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to retain heat and moisture.
• Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for future use.

We hope you enjoy our foolproof recipe for cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot. This method delivers a tender and succulent chicken that requires minimal effort on your part. Let us know if you try it!