3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken
If you’re craving a classic Sunday roast chicken without the oven, rotisserie spit, or long prep time, this 3-ingredient slow cooker rotisserie chicken is the answer. Made with just a whole chicken, seasoning, and onion, this easy crockpot recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone meat, rich savory juices, and that comforting aroma that fills the house all day.
Inspired by old-fashioned home cooking, this recipe recreates the flavor of store-bought rotisserie chicken using your slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, or meal prep, and it requires almost no effort just season, set, and forget.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken:
Only 3 ingredients simple, affordable, and pantry-friendly
Extremely juicy and tender slow cooking locks in moisture
Hands-off cooking ideal for busy days
Versatile leftovers great for sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and meal prep
Comfort food classic tastes like Grandma’s Sunday dinner
Servings: 4–6
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW)
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (3½–5 pounds), giblets removed
2–3 tablespoons rotisserie-style seasoning or seasoned salt
1 medium onion, quartered
(or 3–4 small potatoes, halved, for the base)
Instructions:
Remove giblets and pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Dry skin helps the seasoning stick and improves flavor.
Rub the rotisserie seasoning all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Press the seasoning in well for maximum flavor.
Place the onion quarters (or potatoes) in the bottom of the slow cooker. This lifts the chicken off the bottom, helping it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Set the seasoned chicken breast-side up on top of the onion or potatoes. Tuck wing tips under the bird if possible.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thigh.
Carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes. Reserve the cooking juices to spoon over the meat or save for broth.
Optional Crispy skin finish
For a more authentic rotisserie texture, place the chicken under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Serving Ideas:
With mashed potatoes and green beans
Alongside buttered corn and dinner rolls
Sliced over fresh salads
Shredded for sandwiches, wraps, or rice bowls
Tips & Variations:
Homemade rotisserie seasoning: salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
Lemon-herb version: add a halved lemon and fresh herbs to the cavity
Vegetable base: carrots, celery, and potatoes soak up the juices beautifully
Leftovers: perfect for soups, pot pies, casseroles, and chicken salad
Small slow cookers: choose a 3–3½ lb chicken for best fit
