Simple Crockpot Whole Chicken

This Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a flavorful, tender meal with minimal effort.

This delicious chicken is a wonderful way to prepare a chicken and make a beautiful dinner with very little effort on your part. Slow-cooking a whole chicken results in juicy meat that practically falls off the bone, with a rich flavor that everyone will love.

If you prefer, you can also make a whole chicken in the Ninja Foodi with this Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken Recipe and this Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe.

Can you put a raw chicken in the crockpot?

Chicken can be put in the crockpot raw; however, you do want to cook it fully, so be sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.

If you prefer, you can sear the chicken on both sides first in a saucepan if you like to get that outer browned coating or with this recipe, we put it in the broiler at the end of slow cooking just to get it browned up.

That means the pictures of the chicken you see in this post are broiled after it’s been slow-cooked, that’s why you see the crispy skin. This will simply come down to your personal preference. This step is optional but gives the chicken that golden-brown, crispy finish.

How long does Crockpot Whole Chicken take to cook?

This can be cooked for 8 hours; however, it’s likely going to be done around the 6-hour mark, which means you can go ahead and check it after 6 hours. Again, just be sure the internal temperature has reached at least 165 degrees F before serving.

Tips for making Crockpot Whole Chicken:

It’s best to coat the crockpot with cooking spray before placing the chicken inside, a disposable crockpot liner can also be used if you prefer.

Make sure your chicken fits comfortably in your crockpot with the lid fully closed.

Remember as I mentioned above, to get crispy skin, you’ll want to place the chicken on a baking sheet and put it in the oven on broil for a few minutes to get crispy.

If you prefer gravy, the chicken will release delicious juices as it cooks. Save the liquid to make a simple gravy or as a flavorful base for soups.

What should you serve with Crockpot Whole Chicken?

Crockpot Chicken is going to be cooked with carrots and celery, these are perfectly served right alongside the chicken. If you would like, you can also add Ninja Foodi Mashed Potatoes!

How do you store the leftovers?

The leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Alternatively, you can also use a heat-proof plate and heat in the air fryer at 320 degrees F for 3-4 minutes.

If you enjoy this chicken recipe, be sure to check out this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken too!