Description
Juicy, tender crockpot whole chicken with a simple seasoning blend. Cooked low and slow for maximum flavor—finish under the broiler for crispy skin! Perfect for an easy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 whole chicken (around 5 pounds), innards removed
- 1 lemon (cut in half)
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Prep: Coat a slow cooker large enough to comfortably hold your chicken with cooking spray. Using a large piece of aluminum foil, shape a ring to set on the bottom of the crock as a rack for the chicken to rest on (otherwise it will burn and get stuck to the crock).
- Make seasoning: Combine the ingredients for the seasoning in a small bowl until a paste forms. Set aside.
- Season chicken: Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, inside the cavity and underneath the skin (you may need to gently release it with your index finger) – it’s important to season underneath the skin even if it’s a little fickle, or it will dry out and taste bland. Stuff the chicken’s cavity with the cut lemon, fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Cook: Place the chicken on the aluminum foil ring in the crock pot, cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature registers at 165°F at the thickest part.
- For crispy chicken: Transfer the chicken to a sheet pan and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy. Carve and serve immediately, or use shredded.
Notes
The seasoning mix balances savory, sweet, and smoky flavors; swap smoked paprika for depth or omit sugar. Butter helps seasoning stick; use olive oil for dairy-free. A 5 lb chicken fits a 6-quart slow cooker. Lemon and herbs add moisture; use dried if needed (1/3 of fresh amount). Cook to 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze shredded chicken for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 916 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken, whole chicken, rotisserie seasoning, slow cooker, easy dinner