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Crockpot Whole Chicken

Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (3-4 lb), patted dry, giblets removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • A few sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and rub the olive oil all over and under the skin. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme, then season the chicken inside, under the skin, and all over the outside.
  2. Place the onion, lemon, garlic, and herb sprigs in a 6-quart slow cooker. Set the chicken breast side up on top of the aromatics. Do not add water.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest 10 minutes. Carve or shred, and spoon cooking juices over the meat.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before you pull it apart so the juices redistribute. If you prefer crispy skin, slide the cooked bird under a broiler for a few minutes before resting.