Name: Crockpot Whole Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (Source: 1 tablespoon brown sugar); 1 tablespoon ground paprika (Source: 1 tablespoon ground paprika); 1 teaspoon salt (Source: 1 teaspoon salt); 1 teaspoon celery salt (Source: 1 teaspoon celery salt); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Source: 1 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Source: 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Source: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder); 3 tablespoons butter (softened) (Source: 3 tablespoons butter (softened)); 1 each whole chicken ((around 5 pounds), innards removed) (Source: 1 whole chicken ((around 5 pounds), innards removed)); 1 each lemon (cut in half) (Source: 1 lemon (cut in half)); 1 each fresh rosemary sprig (Source: 1 fresh rosemary sprig); 3 each fresh thyme sprigs (Source: 3 fresh thyme sprigs)

Get to know the ingredients

ground paprika

In the method: Prep: Coat a slow cooker large enough to comfortably hold your chicken with cooking spray.

celery salt

In the method: Prep: Coat a slow cooker large enough to comfortably hold your chicken with cooking spray.

dried thyme

In the method: Stuff the chicken's cavity with the cut lemon, fresh rosemary and thyme.

Let’s make it

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Servings

Original recipe: Serves 6. Original quantities shown.

Estimating…

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How to make it

0 of 5 steps complete

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.

Make room for Crockpot Whole Chicken

Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Carve and serve immediately, or use shredded.

A little more help as you go

Choose the cooking schedule

Check the slow-cooker setting and timing before deciding when to start.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the slow cooker, crock pot, and sheet pan. Start with this step: Prep: Coat a slow cooker large enough to comfortably hold your chicken with cooking spray.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Follow the covered and uncovered stages in their stated order.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

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.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Check the slow-cooker setting and timing before deciding when to start.

Additional recipe notes

Ingredient 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 (⅓ of fresh amount). Recipe Tips: Cook to 165°F at the thickest part. For crispy skin, broil 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving for the best texture. Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Shred and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Crockpot Whole Chicken

1. Check when to cover

2. Watch the broiling step

3. Match the cuts in the method