How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Cooking a whole chicken in the crock pot may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite easy and results in incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone meat The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook low and slow, breaking down the connective tissues and infusing it with flavor With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make the most flavorful and tender whole chicken right in your crock pot.

Benefits of Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot

There are several advantages to using the crock pot to cook a whole chicken

• Requires minimal prep work. Simply season the chicken, add to the slow cooker, and let it cook while you’re away.

• Infuses the chicken with flavor. The extended cooking time allows the seasonings and aromatics to thoroughly penetrate the meat.

• Makes the chicken incredibly moist and tender The low gentle heat gently breaks down the proteins and connective tissues

• Whole chickens are budget-friendly. It’s one of the most economical ways to feed a crowd.

• Provides leftovers for multiple meals. Shred and use for tacos, sandwiches, soups, etc.

• Allows you to multitask while it cooks. Set it and go about your day while it cooks unattended.

Tips for Cooking Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot

Follow these tips for foolproof results when cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker:

• Use the right size chicken – Choose a broiler-fryer chicken that’s 4-7 lbs. It should fit comfortably in your crock pot with a little room around it.

• Prep the chicken – Remove giblets, rinse, and pat dry. Truss legs with kitchen string to keep shape.

• Create a flavorful rub – For maximum flavor, rub the chicken all over with olive oil and seasonings like garlic, onion, paprika, salt, pepper, etc.

• Add aromatics – Stuff the cavity with lemon, herbs, garlic, and onion for even more flavor.

• Use a rack – Place chicken on a rack over 1 cup broth in crock pot to elevate and prevent sticking/burning.

• Cook on low – Cook for 7-8 hours on low until meat reaches 165°F. The gentle heat prevents overcooking.

• Let rest before serving – Once cooked through, let rest 10-15 minutes before carving for juicy, tender meat.

Simple Whole Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

This straightforward recipe results in a super flavorful, fall-off-the-bone tender whole chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-7 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken dry and truss legs with string. Rub all over with olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub spice mix all over chicken, including under skin and in cavity.
3. Stuff cavity with lemon quarters and thyme sprigs.
4. Place chicken breast-side up on a rack in crock pot. Add broth to crock pot.
5. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours until chicken is fully cooked (165°F).
6. Remove chicken and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

The simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and paprika lets the flavor of the chicken shine. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, cumin, chili powder, etc. This basic recipe works perfectly every time for moist, flavorful crock pot whole chicken.

Expert Tips for Maximizing Flavor

Use these expert tips and tricks to get the most flavor out of your crock pot chicken:

• Marinate overnight – For more flavor penetration, rub chicken with spices and refrigerate overnight before cooking.

• Season under the skin – Loosen skin and rub seasoning directly onto meat before rubbing skin.

• Brown first – Quickly brown chicken all over in a skillet before slow cooking for deeper flavor.

• Use broth – Replace water with chicken broth to infuse savory flavor.

• Add veggies – Cook aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery alongside chicken.

• Make a sauce – Use pan drippings to make a simple gravy or sauce to serve with chicken.

• Crisp the skin – For crispy skin, broil chicken 10-15 minutes once cooked through.

Common FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making whole chicken in the crock pot:

How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in the crock pot?

• On low heat, cook for 7-8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Should you cook chicken on high or low?

• Cook on low to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat. High can cause the outer parts to overcook.

Is raw chicken safe to cook in a crock pot?

• Yes, as long as the final internal temperature reaches the proper 165°F it is safe to eat.

Do you need to add liquid to the crock pot?

• One cup of broth in the pot is sufficient. The chicken will release its own juices.

How do you know when the chicken is done?

• Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temp. It should reach 165°F when fully cooked.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftover crock pot chicken is extremely versatile. Here are some delicious ways to repurpose it:

• Chicken salad sandwiches
• Quesadillas
• Burritos or fajitas
• Casserole or pot pie
• Soup – chicken noodle, tortilla, etc.
• Stir fry
• Salad topping

The moist, tender meat is perfect for all kinds of dishes. Get creative with the leftovers!

Conclusion

Cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker results in an extremely flavorful, juicy, and tender bird with little hands-on effort. Use the simple tips and recipe in this article for foolproof results. Experiment with different seasonings to make it your own. With the versatility of the leftovers, this budget-friendly meal will feed you for days! Give crock pot whole chicken a try tonight.