Description
This crockpot whole chicken is a simple and delicious meal, seasoned with lemon and garlic for maximum flavor. Cooked to tender perfection, it yields juicy meat and flavorful vegetables, making it an ideal dish for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Clean the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and remove any giblets. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously, ensuring it gets under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion inside the chicken cavity.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Optionally, add a layer of vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, or celery) at the bottom of the crockpot for added flavor.
- Place the Chicken in the Crockpot: Position the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the center of the crockpot, on top of any added vegetables.
- Cover and Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Crisping the Skin (Optional): For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve the Chicken: Remove legs and thighs, then slice the breast meat. Serve with the tender vegetables from the crockpot.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.
- Store Leftovers: Cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For best results, choose a chicken that fits well in your crockpot (4-5 pounds is ideal).
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste or add other vegetables to the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes