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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker

    Easy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe

    Published: Sep 4, 2022 · Modified: Jan 4, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

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    Slow cooker whole chicken pin image.

    An easy slow cooker whole chicken recipe with lemon and garlic!

    Cook your roast chicken in the slow cooker for the most juicy, succulent chicken you have ever tasted! Serve with boulangère potatoes for a maximum taste Sunday lunch!

    Slow cooker roast chicken

    This is an easy slow cooker chicken recipe for busy days, when you don't have much time to cook!

    Simply rub the spice mix over the chicken, pop it in your slow cooker or crock pot, and cook on high for 3-4 hours!

    👩‍🍳 Try my easy slow cooker roast beef next!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 🔪 How long to cook a 1.6kg chicken in slow cooker
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋 More slow cooker recipes
    • Recipe

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • An easy slow cooker chicken recipe.
    • Juicy, moist, and succulent meat.
    • More economical than oven cooking.
    • Vary the spice rub to suit your tastes.
    • Perfect for Sunday roast.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for slow cooker roast chicken.
    • Chicken - a 1.6kg whole chicken. For larger and smaller chickens, adjust the cooking times accordingly.
    • Onion - for flavour and acts as a trivet on the bottom of the slow cooker.
    • Carrot - chopped and placed in the bottom of the slow cooker.
    • Lemon - cut in half and placed in the cavity of the bird.
    • Rub - olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried mixed herbs.

    🥄 Equipment

    Which slow cooker? I use a Morphy Richards Sear and Stew 6.5 litre slow cooker, which means I can brown and slow cook in the same pot as the slow cooker pot is safe to use on the hob! The 6.5 litre capacity serves 6-8 main portions, so it’s ideal for families and those that like batch cooking. There is also a 3.5 litre version for smaller households

    🔪 How long to cook a 1.6kg chicken in slow cooker

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Place the chopped onion and carrot in the bottom of the slow cooker basin.

    Two: In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried mixed herbs. Rub it all over the chicken (don't forget the bottom!).

    Three: Place the lemon in the cavity of the bird and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5 hours. Place a sharp knife between the leg and breast and the chicken is cooked when the juices run clear, or the internal temperature reaches 75C / 165F using a meat thermometer.

    Chicken in a slow cooker.

    💭 Expert tips

    • For crispy skin, place the chicken under the grill (broiler) for 5 minutes at the end of cooking.
    • Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will ensure the meat is tender, juicy, and moist.
    • There is no need to add water to the slow cooker basin.
    • Make sure your chicken fits inside your slow cooker basin.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Serve the slow cooker chicken with air fryer roast potatoes, roasted Tenderstem broccoli, apricot stuffing, and cauliflower cheese for an easy Sunday roast.

    It's also a great recipe to enjoy midweek with salad (beetroot and goat's cheese salad is a good option) and crusty bread. You'll never need (or want) to buy another rotisserie chicken from the supermarket again!

    📖 Variations

    • Change the seasoning rub. Onion powder and chili powder add lots of flavour. You could also try using finely chopped woody herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
    • Swap the carrots for different root vegetables. Parsnips work well.
    • Use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavour.
    Slow cooker whole chicken on a wooden board.

    🥡 Storage

    Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use the leftover chicken in salads, pasta dishes, or risotto, or just make a chicken sandwich!

    Reheat: The chicken can be eaten cold from the fridge. It can also be reheated in the microwave.

    Freeze: The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before using in your recipe.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    Can I put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

    Yes, you can! Slow cookers are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the basin, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. 

    Do you need liquid in a slow cooker for chicken?

    You don't need to add any liquid to the slow cooker when cooking a whole chicken. It's useful to place the chicken on a bed of vegetables which acts as a trivet, or some balls of foil, to stop the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker though.

    😋 More slow cooker recipes

    • Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
    • Slow Cooker Tortellini
    • Slow Cooker Diet Coke Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Macaroni Cheese
    • Slow Cooker Roast Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Hunters Chicken

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    Recipe

    Slow cooker whole chicken on a wooden board.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Easy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    An easy slow cooker whole chicken recipe with lemon and garlic!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine British
    Keyword slow cooker roast chicken, slow cooker whole chicken
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 4 hours
    Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 336kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Meat Thermometer

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 1 Whole Chicken approx 1.6kg
    • 1 Onion peeled and roughly chopped
    • 1 Carrot peeled and roughly chopped
    • 1 Lemon halved

    For the rub

    • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
    • 2 teaspoon Dried Mixed Herbs
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

    Instructions

    • Place the chopped onion and carrot in the bottom of the slow cooker basin.
      1 Onion, 1 Carrot
    • In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried mixed herbs. Rub it all over the chicken (don't forget the bottom!).
      1 Whole Chicken, 2 tablespoon Olive Oil, 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 2 teaspoon Dried Mixed Herbs, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • Place the lemon in the cavity of the bird and place the bird in your slow cooker on top of the chopped onions and carrots.
      1 Lemon
    • Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5 hours. Place a sharp knife between the leg and breast and the chicken is cooked when the juices run clear, or the internal temperature reaches 75C / 165F using a meat thermometer.

    Notes

    Expert Tips:
    • For crispy skin, place the chicken under the grill (broiler) for 5 minutes at the end of cooking.
    • Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will ensure the meat is tender, juicy, and moist.
    • There is no need to add water to the slow cooker basin.
    • Make sure your chicken fits inside your slow cooker basin. 
     
    Variations:
    • Change the seasoning rub. Onion powder and chili powder add lots of flavour. You could also try using finely chopped woody herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
    • Swap the carrots for different root vegetables. Parsnips work well.
    • Use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavour.
     
    Storage:
    Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use the leftover chicken in salads, pasta dishes, or risotto, or just make a chicken sandwich!
    Reheat: The chicken can be eaten cold from the fridge. It can also be reheated in the microwave.
    Freeze: The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before using in your recipe.
     
    Cooking Times:
    For a larger chicken 1.75kg + - increase the cooking time to 4.5 - 5.5 hours on high or until the juices run clear. Always test with a meat thermometer if unsure. The internal temperature should reach 75c
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    336
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    24
    g
    37
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    6
    g
    38
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    11
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    95
    mg
    32
    %
    Sodium
     
    486
    mg
    21
    %
    Potassium
     
    355
    mg
    10
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    6
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    24
    g
    48
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    2221
    IU
    44
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    14
    mg
    17
    %
    Calcium
     
    39
    mg
    4
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

    • Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Beef Keema Curry Recipe
    • Easy Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Casserole Recipe

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    Beth Sachs Food Blogger

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

    More about me →

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