Tender & Juicy Slow Cooked Whole Chicken: Quick, Easy & Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat20gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) - Choose a fresh, plump chicken with no discoloration or damage on the skin.1 piece
- Olive oil - Select extra virgin olive oil for better flavor and quality2 tbsp
- Salt - Use fine sea salt or kosher salt for even seasoning1.5 tsp
- Black pepper - Freshly ground for best taste1 tsp
- Garlic cloves - Fresh, firm, and plump cloves4 pieces
- Paprika - Use sweet or smoked as preferred1 tsp
- Dried thyme or rosemary - Choose fresh-smelling dried herbs1 tsp
- Onion - Medium-sized, firm, and without blemishes1 piece
- Lemon - Fresh, ripe with firm skin1 piece
This easy slow cooked whole chicken recipe yields a tender, juicy, and flavorful main dish with minimal effort. Using common ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a beautifully cooked chicken in your slow cooker — perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900. Each serving contains roughly 350 kcal. This recipe fits well into a balanced diet, is beginner-friendly with medium complexity, and takes about 6 hours 30 minutes in total (mostly unattended slow cooking). The slow cooking process keeps the chicken moist and develops deep flavor with very little active hands-on time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Ingredients
1Remove the whole chicken from its packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the skin to roast better and reduces bacteria on the surface. Peel the garlic cloves and cut the onion into thick slices. Cut the lemon into halves. Doing this prep ensures even cooking and adds flavor.
Season the Chicken
2Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs evenly on the skin and inside the cavity. Place two garlic cloves and one lemon half inside the chicken’s cavity for added aroma. This boosts the flavor inside and out.
Place the Aromatics in the Slow Cooker
3Lay the onion slices, remaining garlic cloves, and the other lemon half in the slow cooker base. They will act as a flavorful bed for the chicken, preventing sticking and infusing taste.
Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker
4Carefully place the seasoned chicken on top of the bed of onions and garlic, breast side up. This positioning helps cook the meat evenly and keeps breast meat juicy.
Slow Cook the Chicken
5Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to test doneness after 5.5 hours. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thigh should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure food safety. Cooking longer on low keeps meat tender.
(Optional) Crisp the Skin
6If you prefer crispy skin, preheat your oven broiler to high when the chicken is done cooking. Carefully transfer chicken to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. This step adds delightful crispness.
Rest and Serve
7Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Carve and serve warm. Proper resting ensures a juicy, tender texture.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to always verify the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This avoids undercooking or overcooking.
2Pat dry the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning to help achieve better browning if finishing under the broiler.
3Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry.
4If not broiling, you can also finish the chicken in a 220°C (425°F) oven for 10-15 minutes for crispy skin.
Equipment Required
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Meat thermometer (digital recommended)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish (optional, for broiling)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole chicken (~$8): Pick a fresh chicken with no bad odor or discoloration. Organic or free-range might cost more but offer better quality.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50): Choose extra virgin for taste.
- [ ] Salt (~$0.10): Use sea or kosher salt.
- [ ] Black pepper (~$0.20): Freshly ground offers best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic bulbs (~$0.30): Select firm bulbs without green sprouts.
- [ ] Paprika (~$0.50): Sweet or smoked based on preference.
- [ ] Dried herbs (~$0.40): Thyme or rosemary, fresh smelling.
- [ ] Onion (~$0.30): Firm, medium size.
- [ ] Lemon (~$0.70): Fresh and firm.
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $12.00
Tips: Check the expiry on dried herbs and spices. Fresh garlic and lemon add vibrant flavor. Always handle raw chicken safely to avoid contamination.
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh; it should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat.
Can I slow cook a frozen whole chicken?
It's safest to thaw the chicken completely before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent bacterial growth.
How can I make the chicken skin crispy?
After slow cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin.
Is it necessary to season the cavity of the chicken?
Yes, placing garlic and lemon inside the cavity adds flavor from the inside, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.