How to cook a whole chicken in the crockpot. Now let me say, that sounds way scarier than it should. I love to make the whole chicken this way to shred the chicken to use in soups, sandwiches, and casseroles. Perfect way not to warm up the house in the summertime.
First made in 2015 and updated in 2020
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I have this huge habit of going to the grocery store every time. One of the first things I do is scope out the markdowns and close dates. I don’t discriminate; I love the dairy, deli, produce, bakery, and meat department markdowns!
I rely on the meat department to help lower my food budget with their markdowns. We recently made Cocoa Cola Butt Chicken and realized we should try different whole chicken recipes. What better way than the crockpot!!
10 Quart Crockpot
8 Quart Crockpot6 Quart Crockpot
Now I make the whole chicken most commonly in my 8-quart crockpot, but this would also work in a 6-quart crockpot as well.
Ingredients For Whole Chicken In The Crock Pot:
How To Cook A Whole Chicken In A Crock Pot:
Spray your crockpot with nonstick spray.
Make at least four foil balls depending on how big your chicken is; now, I had asked a girlfriend that said to put the chicken on potatoes. I had no potatoes, so I headed to Pinterest and found this method from Number 2 Pencil worked out perfectly for us!! Saved me the last minute trip to the store for potatoes!
Remove the chicken guts and wash off with water, I also made sure to rinse out the inside cavity a bit.
Pat dry your whole chicken with a paper towel and place the chicken on a plate.
Season to taste with your seasoning salt, paprika, salt, and pepper
Shake a bit over a plate and then place the whole chicken on the foil balls.
Be sure to place the chicken on the bottom side down meaning the breast side up.
Shake a bit of minced onion onto the chicken; my minced garlic did not stay on when I did it on the plate, so I did more in the crockpot.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours in your crockpot.
Ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees for food safety with a Food Thermometer to ensure it’s properly cooked.
Seasoning For Whole Chicken In The Crockpot:
What To Serve With Chicken in The Crockpot
- Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Green Salads
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
- Garlic Parmesan Biscuit Pull-Apart Bread
- Oven Roasted Acorn Squash
What is your favorite way to cook Whole Chickens?
Crockpot Recipes To Check Out
Crockpots are versatile and perfect for making meals without much work or effort. I use mine constantly! Below are some of my favorite collections of recipes I’ve made in my kitchen. Slow Cooker recipes are an easy way to get dinner on the table.
- Chicken Crockpot Recipes
- Crockpot Soup Recipes
- Weeknight Dinner Recipes
- Ground Beef Crockpot Dinners
- Crockpot Cinnamon Rolls
How To Cook A Whole Chicken In The Crock Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray your crockpot with the nonstick spray, I personally prefer my 8 quart Crock Pot when I make the whole chicken.
- Make at least four foil balls depending on how big your chicken is.
- Remove the chicken guts and wash off with water, I also made sure to rinse out the inside cavity a bit.
- Pat dry your whole chicken with a paper towel and place the chicken on a plate.
- Season to taste with your seasoning salt, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shake a bit over a plate and then place the whole chicken on the foil balls.
- Be sure to place the chicken on the bottom side down meaning the breast side up.
- Shake a bit of minced onion onto the chicken, my minced garlic did not stay on when I did it on the plate so I did more in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees for food safety with a Food Thermometer to ensure its properly cooked.
Julie Wood says
I have always wanted to learn how to cook a whole chicken in the Crock Pot, and now I found this awesome recipe on your blog. Thanks so much for sharing, and it looks so easy!
Jenny says
It really was easy we loved the chicken!
CR Williams says
I always wanted a crockpot hopefully I will be able to get one, oneday.
Jenny says
I would be lost with out mine! Watch Black Friday ads they go really cheap that time of eyar.
Kimberly M. says
I love crock pot cooking. You throw everything in and let it cook all day. This recipe sounds wonderful. I’ll definitely have to try it.
Jenny says
Agreed!! It’s a life saver for me with soccer season!
Mary L says
I always cook my chicken with breast down, it makes a moister breast. Not pretty, but very moist and tender. For a full meal I add sliced onions, potatoes and carrots on top of the chicken. Dinner done when we get home.
Jenny says
That sounds amazing!! I never thought to try that out sounds like an easy dinner!
sue says
I accidentally did breast down once and will never go back. It makes sense–the juices run down and through the breast keeping it moist.
Rosie says
I’ve cooked cut up chicken, but never a whole chicken. I want to try this! oh boy does it look good!
Jenny says
It was so easy to make up! Let me know if you try it.
Jenny says
What an easy way to cook a whole chicken! I actually have one defrosting in my fridge that I planned to put on the grill, but it may go in the crockpot now!
Jenny says
It is so easy to make in the crock pot! I need to do another whole chicken on our grill again!
Chrissa says
I always make chicken in the crockpot but have never tried the tin foil trick! I need to make your version!
Jenny says
It worked out great!!! Thanks for stopping by!
Sara Schwab says
this looks really good I love to make this
Erika says
Do you think it’s possible to cook a whole turkey in a crockpot?
angie says
love my crock pot any time of the year but especially summer time. This recipe will help me do so much. Thanks for sharing
DIY Thrill says
This looks amazing! I guess I know what I’ll be having for dinner tomorrow! 🙂
Debra says
I love using the crockpot. It makes preparing dinner so easy and this recipe sounds delicious.
Deb says
I have been making crockpot chicken this way for years. Always very good and juicy!
Dalia Hoover says
Have you tried to cook it on low? I’m wondering how long.
Courtney says
I really want to try this! Is the skin edible and or crispy? I’ve heard of placing a towel over the crockpot and then the lid to help this process, does anyone know if it’s true?
Mary says
I also have cooked whole chickens in the crockpot for years, but never used foil. I also use liners saves a lot of cleanup. I also cook the chicken breasts down. Mine have always turned out yummy.