Make this Crockpot Whole Chicken when you want a homemade rotisserie roasted chicken - without all of the work! This crockpot whole chicken recipe is quick and easy to prep and you'll be rewarded with a flavorful, tender chicken.
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.
Video
Notes
Ingredient notes
Seasoning: This is my favorite way to make a rotisserie-style seasoning. Feel free to switch it up with your preferred dried herbs and spices. Switch up the taste of the seasoning by adding some heat with cayenne pepper or chili powder; or go fire-roasted with smoked paprika.
Lemon: Sticking a lemon into the chicken cavity helps the chicken to stem from the inside and stay nice and moist! Feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan of lemon flavor or don’t have any on hand.
Brown sugar: This adds depth of flavor and also helps with the color of the chicken skin. Feel free to leave it out if you don’t want any sugar in your spice rub.
Chicken: Make sure to pick a chicken size that will fit inside your crock. Around 5 pounds is a good size for a large (around 6 quart) slow cooker.
Recipe tips
How to serve the chicken: You can serve this chicken whole like a regular roasted chicken. But the meat turns out tender enough so you can shred it and use it in other ways - salads, sandwiches, tacos, soups... Perfect for easy meal prep, too!
For leftovers or to store for meal prep: Remove bones and shred meat of cooled chicken; pack in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.