Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

Preparing a whole chicken in the slow cooker is a convenient way to achieve tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. This recipe combines aromatic garlic and fresh herbs to create a succulent dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply season the chicken, place it in the slow cooker, and let it cook to perfection without constant monitoring.​RecipeTin Eats+2Eating on a Dime+2Allrecipes+2
• Moist and Tender Meat: Slow cooking ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender, with flavors infused throughout.​
• Versatile Meal: Serve the chicken as the main course with your favorite sides, or use the meat in sandwiches, salads, or soups.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Whole chicken (4-5 pounds)​Rachel Cooks®+1The Recipe Rebel+1
• Unsalted butter, softened​
• Fresh rosemary, finely chopped​Food & Wine+4ellaclaireinspired.com+440 Aprons+4
• Fresh thyme, finely chopped​healthyelizabeth.com+240 Aprons+2ellaclaireinspired.com+2
• Garlic cloves, minced​
• Paprika​ellaclaireinspired.com
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper​
• Lemon, halved (optional)​Rachel Cooks®+3Joyful Healthy Eats+3ellaclaireinspired.com+3
• Yellow onion, quartered​Rachel Cooks®+1ellaclaireinspired.com+1
• Red potatoes, quartered (optional)​ellaclaireinspired.com+1Rachel Cooks®+1
• Baby carrots (optional)​Food Play Go+1ellaclaireinspired.com+1

Directions

1. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed.​
2. Prepare the Chicken: Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs by sliding your fingers underneath, being careful not to tear it.​
3. Season the Chicken: Rub a portion of the herb butter mixture under the loosened skin, spreading it evenly over the meat. Rub the remaining herb butter over the outside of the chicken. If using, place the lemon halves and onion quarters inside the cavity.​
4. Arrange in Slow Cooker: If adding vegetables, place the quartered potatoes and baby carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a bed. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.​ellaclaireinspired.com
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).​
6. Optional – Crisp the Skin: For a crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.​
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the cooked vegetables and drizzle with the cooking juices if desired.​Cooking For My Soul

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8​
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes​Food & Wine
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low​Cooking For My Soul+2RecipeTin Eats+2The Recipe Rebel+2

Variations

• Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like sage or parsley for a different flavor profile.​RecipeTin Eats
• Spice Blend: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the herb butter for a subtle kick.​
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate other root vegetables such as parsnips or sweet potatoes alongside the carrots and potatoes.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.​
• Freezing: Shred the leftover chicken meat and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.​
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.​

FAQs

How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly in the slow cooker?

Placing the chicken on a bed of vegetables or using a rack inside the slow cooker allows for better heat circulation and even cooking.​

Can I cook the chicken on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours, but cooking on low for a longer period results in more tender and flavorful meat.​

Is it necessary to broil the chicken after slow cooking?

Broiling is optional but recommended if you prefer crispy skin. Monitor closely to prevent burning.​Bless this Mess+8Allrecipes+8RecipeTin Eats+8

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to complement the meal.​

How can I use the leftover chicken?

Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. It’s versatile and adds protein to various dishes.​

What should I do with the leftover cooking juices?

The cooking juices are flavorful and can be used as a gravy or sauce over the chicken and vegetables. You can also thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch if desired.​

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, if fresh herbs are unavailable, use one-third the amount of dried herbs, as they are more concentrated in flavor.​

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).​

Can I prepare the chicken the night before and cook it the next day?

Yes, you can season the chicken and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker.​

Is it safe to cook a whole chicken in a slow

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