Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (4-Ingredient Comfort Meal)
An easy slow cooker chicken that turns out incredibly tender with rich, savory juices and classic comfort flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3½–4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: About 6½–7½ hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Midwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (3½–4½ pounds), giblets removed and patted dry
2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1½ teaspoons table salt)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3–4 cloves garlic, minced)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Remove giblets if present. Pat the chicken very dry inside and out with paper towels.
Season: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
Optional trussing: Tie the legs together and tuck wing tips under the body if desired for more even cooking.
Slow cook: Place the chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. Do not add liquid—the chicken will release its own juices.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until very tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh.
Rest: Carefully transfer chicken to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Optional crisping: For crispier skin, broil the chicken for 3–5 minutes, watching closely.
Serve: Carve and spoon some of the savory cooking juices over the meat.
Notes
Add dried thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning for classic Sunday-dinner flavor.
For a vegetable base, place carrots, onions, and celery in the slow cooker before adding the chicken.
A lemon half or quartered onion inside the cavity adds subtle brightness.
Save leftovers for sandwiches, pot pie, chicken and noodles, or soup.
