This Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe makes a succulent roast chicken with minimal effort. It’s an easy crockpot recipe suitable for weeknights, Sunday dinners, and even holidays!

For $9.95, you can have a fresh Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with roasted vegetables minus the extra ingredients and preservatives you get when you buy one pre-made at the store. It makes six servings for about $1.65 per serving. 

This is delicious served alongside Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. Or use the leftover meat in many dishes such as Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Cranberry Chicken Salad, Chicken Divan Casserole, and BBQ Chicken Pizza.

The finished crockpot whole chicken on a white serving platter.

This Crock Pot Whole Chicken has great flavor and requires minimal effort

This recipe is a rotisserie-style chicken which takes a few minutes to prepare and yields a seasoned chicken with fresh roasted vegetables. The chicken is placed on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker and then cooked low and slow. This process allows the chicken to drip juices on the veggies, which only enhances their flavor. 

I love how easy it is to make a slow cooker whole chicken in the crockpot. You rub the chicken with a spice blend to enhance the natural ingredients’ flavor and place it on top of the vegetables to cook. 

Leave the crockpot alone and come back to the BEST Whole Chicken! Put it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that same crispy skin you love from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It makes a great weeknight meal for busy nights or an enjoyable Sunday dinner with the family. 

The finished crockpot roast chicken in the crockpot after it is done cooking.

Whole Chicken Crock Pot Ingredients and Cost:

Per Serving Cost: $1.65

Recipe Cost: $9.95

    • 4 large celery stalks – $1.00

    • 1 medium red onion – $0.65

    • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary – $0.24

    • 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds) – $6.45

    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil – $0.22

    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt – $0.30

    • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt – $0.06

    • 3 sprigs fresh thyme – $0.15

    • 1 teaspoon paprika – $0.03

    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme – $0.03

    • 4 large garlic cloves – $0.20

    • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary – $0.12

    • ½ teaspoon black pepper – $0.02

    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley – $0.03

    • 3 large carrots – $0.42

    • ½ teaspoon onion powder – $0.02

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in November 2023.

All of the crockpot whole chicken ingredients on a wooden cutting board.

How To Cook a Whole Chicken in Crock Pot:

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

  1. First, spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Then, add the chopped veggies, garlic, and herbs to the crockpot.
  2. Next, prep the chicken and set it aside. Mix the dry ingredients to make the dry rub.
  3. Then, drizzle olive oil over the chicken, rubbing it over it. Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken.
  4. Place the chicken on top of the veggies. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4.
  5. Finally, remove the chicken from the crockpot to rest for fifteen minutes before slicing and serving with the roasted vegetables.

A picture collage of the steps taken to make this crockpot whole chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken variations:

  • You can add other vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker to make a complete meal. Occasionally I add some chopped red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
  • You can make a quick gravy from the drippings of this crockpot roast chicken. Just following my turkey gravy recipe and use chicken drippings and broth instead of turkey drippings.

Cook’s Tools – Crockpot Whole Chicken:

  • Measuring spoons
  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

How long should you cook chicken in a crockpot?

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. 

What to serve with Crock Pot Whole Chicken

I like to serve something light alongside this chicken. A few of my favorite side dishes include an Italian Salad, Macaroni Salad, and Grape Salad.

Storing leftover Crockpot Roasted Chicken:

SERVE: As will most meat, you can keep the cooked whole chicken at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

STORE: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

FREEZE: Store the finished crockpot whole chicken in an airtight container or a freezer-safe Ziploc bag in the freezer for 4-6 months.

The finished slow cooker roast chicken recipe on a white serving platter and a gravy boat in the background.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken FAQs:

Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is entirely safe to put raw chicken in the slow cooker. The steam created in the slow cooker will steam the chicken, cooking a moist and tender piece of meat every time.   

Do you need to put water in a slow cooker with chicken?

No, you do not need to add any liquid to the slow cooker while cooking chicken. The chicken naturally releases juices within it while it is cooking. The chicken will be moist and tender without the addition of water. 

Does cooking chicken in the crockpot longer make it more tender?

Yes! This is the beauty of cooking chicken in a slow cooker. Cooking it on low and slowly, allows the collagen in the chicken a chance to break down into gelatin. The gelatin becomes a flavorful liquid and is what helps create a juicy and tender chicken.

Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low?

I prefer to cook the chicken on low for six to eight hours to allow the chicken to slowly tenderize as it soaks up the juices in the crockpot. However, if you are short on time, you can still enjoy this chicken by cooking it on high for three to four hours.

How do I make sure my roast chicken isn’t dry?

Be sure to not overcook the chicken! Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, it is done cooking. Use the cooking times as a guideline and check your chicken with an internal thermometer to ensure doneness and avoid overcooking, which can result in dry chicken.

Second, do not skip on the vegetables. The vegetables release moisture as they cook, helping to create a moist environment for the chicken to cook in. This helps create a juicy chicken.

More Slow Cooker Recipes: 

The finished slow cooker whole chicken on a white serving platter surrounded by the carrots that the chicken cooked on top of in the crockpot.
5 from 5 votes

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Recipe Cost $ 9.95
Serving Cost $ 1.65
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
6 people
This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe makes a succulent roast chicken with minimal effort. It’s an easy crockpot recipe suitable for weeknights, Sunday dinners, and even holidays!

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • slow cooker
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 large celery stalks cleaned and chopped
  • 3 large carrots cleaned and chopped
  • 1 medium red onion peeled and cut into pieces
  • 4 large garlic cloves peeled and smashed
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4-5 pound whole chicken neck and giblets removed, washed, and patted dry
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil

SEASONING RUB:

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped **see notes
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped **see notes
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

ADD VEGETABLES:

  • Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add chopped vegetables, garlic, and herbs to the crockpot.

PREP CHICKEN:

  • Rinse the chicken, remove the giblets and the beck, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

MAKE THE RUB:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the seasoning rib.

RUB CHICKEN:

  • Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub until the chicken is evenly coated in oil.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning rub over the chicken and rub to distribute it over the chicken evenly.

SLOW COOK:

  • Place the chicken on top of the vegetables inside the slow cooker insert.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.

TO FINISH:

  • Remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  • Slice and serve with the roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Instead of using fresh herbs in the seasoning rub, can use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary.
  • If you would like crispy skin on the roasted chicken, then place the chicken in a baking dish and broil for 4-5 minutes or golden brown. Make sure you watch it carefully!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6456IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

did you love this recipe?

Share it with me on Facebook and find more recipes on foodfolksandfun for more!

Pin Recipe Share Recipe

subscribe for new recipes

Get all the latest recipes in your inbox!

connect with us

Make sure to tag #foodfolksandfun on instagram!

I’m Jillian, the creator behind Food Folks and Fun. I have over 30 years of experience cooking for others. There’s nothing I love more than cooking for my family. Food is love, and cooking isn’t just putting a meal on a plate: It’s putting a little part of myself into that meal.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. I haven’t used my slow cooker in a while. I love chicken, this recipe is so easy to follow.

    Reply
  2. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says:

    This chicken sounds so juicy and succulent! I love cooking things in the crockpot like this as it is such a tasty reward for such little effort. So good!

    Reply

  3. I am always afraid to roast whole chicken, but I love your step by step instructions, and all the ingredients incorporated. This looks so flavorful, thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  4. I love roasted chicken. This recipe looks so juicy and delicious. I will definitely make one.

    Reply
  5. Sharon Chen says:

    Crockpot dishes are the best! This chicken is surely yummy and juicy.

    Reply
  6. MARIANNE WOOD says:

    im older with a bad back so anything easy is just great and the recipes sound so yummy!, cant wait to make the crock pot chicken, tysm for the recipes.

    Reply