Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the most incredible aroma of perfectly seasoned, tender chicken slow-cooking to perfection. This Crock Pot Whole Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have your family begging for seconds! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this foolproof dish transforms an ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that's so easy, you'll feel like a culinary genius.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
Instructions
- Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a herb seasoning blend.
- Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and rub the herb seasoning mixture directly onto the chicken meat under the skin, ensuring even distribution.
- Place quartered onions at the bottom of the crock pot to create a flavorful base and prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Carefully place the whole seasoned chicken on top of the onions, positioning it breast-side up for even cooking.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and transfer to a serving platter, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- To make gravy, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and whisk in flour, cooking over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot with the freshly made gravy, accompanied by your favorite sides.
Tips
- • Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, flavorful skin and better herb adherence. • Don't skip loosening the skin - this is the secret to getting those delicious herbs right onto the meat. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety and optimal tenderness. • Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist. • For extra-crispy skin, you can briefly broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. • Save the leftover broth and bones to make an amazing homemade chicken stock for future recipes. • If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth or using herb-infused chicken stock.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 125mg
