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4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

A simple and flavorful whole chicken recipe made effortlessly in a slow cooker with just four ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 whole whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds), giblets removed and patted dry
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3–4 cloves garlic, minced)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and patting it dry.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken to ensure it’s well seasoned.
  3. Optionally, you can tie the legs together for even cooking.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. There’s no need to add any liquid.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for about 3 1/2–4 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. If you want crispy skin, you can broil it for 3–5 minutes after resting.
Serving
  1. Slice the chicken and serve it on a platter. Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the top for added moisture and flavor. This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness. Experiment with different spices, like paprika or onion powder, to change the flavor profile. For extra flavor, add chopped veggies like carrots and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.