4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Set it before before work and come home to the most tender, fall-apart chicken you’ve ever made. This easy slow cooker whole chicken recipe delivers classic Sunday-dinner comfort with almost no effort. The slow cooker does all the work, gently cooking the chicken until it’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with rich, savory juices.
With just 4 simple ingredients, this crockpot whole chicken is perfect for busy families, meal prep, or anyone craving old-fashioned comfort food without standing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe:
Extremely tender & juicy slow cooking guarantees fall-off-the-bone chicken
Only 4 ingredients budget-friendly and pantry-staple simple
Hands-off cooking set it and forget it while you go about your day
Perfect for Sunday dinner or meal prep leftovers reheat beautifully
Naturally gluten-free & low-carb simple, wholesome ingredients
Versatile use leftovers for soups, sandwiches, pot pies, and casseroles
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
1 whole chicken (3½–4½ pounds), giblets removed and patted dry
2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1½ teaspoons table salt)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
Directions:
Remove giblets if needed and pat the chicken very dry inside and out. Dry skin helps concentrate flavor during slow cooking.
Mix salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
Tie the legs together and tuck wing tips under the bird if desired. This helps with even cooking but isn’t required.
Place the chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. No liquid is needed the chicken releases its own flavorful juices.
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or
HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thigh.
Carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Optional crispy skin:
Broil the chicken for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned and crisp.
Serving Suggestions:
This slow cooker whole chicken pairs beautifully with:
Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Green beans, sweet corn, or roasted carrots
Simple cabbage slaw or garden salad
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the juices
Variations & Tips:
Add thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning for classic Sunday-dinner flavor
Place carrots, onions, and celery under the chicken for an easy veggie side
Add lemon or onion inside the cavity for subtle brightness
Reduce sodium by slightly lowering the salt and boosting herbs
Save the cooking juices for gravy, broth, or soup base
Leftover Ideas
Turn leftovers into:
Chicken and noodles
Pot pie or chicken casserole
Shredded chicken sandwiches
Homemade chicken soup or broth
This easy crockpot whole chicken recipe is the kind you’ll come back to again and again simple, reliable, and comforting every single time.
