Slow-Cooker Whole Chicken
Slow-cooking a whole chicken is one of the easiest ways to achieve tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is a perfectly cooked chicken that’s full of flavor and versatility.
A combination of turmeric and smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken. The slow cooking method also creates a rich, flavorful broth that can be used for soups or sauces, making it a great base for future meals.
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with additional aromatics and herbs. Whether you serve the chicken with vegetables, use the meat in tacos or sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Slow-Cooker Whole Chicken: Ingredients
A whole chicken, the star of the dish, provides a juicy, tender base, allowing the slow cooking process to infuse it with flavors.
A generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper ensures that the meat is perfectly seasoned, elevating its natural flavors.
Garlic cloves, nestled inside and around the chicken, contribute a fragrant depth, subtly enhancing the savory profile with each bite.
Olive oil adds a silky richness, helping to distribute the spices and keep the meat moist during the slow cook.
Smoked paprika and ground turmeric not only provide a burst of color but also offer a smoky warmth and earthy undertones that make this dish truly special.
Onion and carrots create a flavorful base in the slow cooker, infusing the chicken with aromatic sweetness while serving as the perfect bed for roasting.
Slow-Cooker Whole Chicken: Tips, Serving Ideas & FAQ
Recipe Tips
- Dry Brine the Chicken
For even more flavorful results, season the chicken with salt and pepper 24 hours ahead of time. Let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This dry brine helps enhance the chicken’s flavor while also improving its texture, leading to juicy, tender meat when cooked. Be sure to remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. - Use Fresh Aromatics for Extra Flavor
While the garlic, onion, and carrots already provide great flavor, adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves will elevate the taste even more. Place the herbs inside the chicken cavity or scatter them around the chicken before cooking. These herbs will infuse the chicken with added depth and fragrance. - Crisp the Skin (Optional)
If you prefer crispy skin, you can transfer the cooked chicken to an oven-safe dish after slow cooking and place it under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, but this step will give the skin a golden, crispy finish that contrasts perfectly with the tender meat inside.
What to Serve with Slow-Cooker Whole Chicken
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish to soak up the rich jus from the chicken. The garlic flavors from both the potatoes and the chicken will complement each other beautifully, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. - Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables such as potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes provides a hearty, colorful contrast to the tender chicken. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the smoky paprika and earthy turmeric from the chicken. - Simple Green Salad
For a lighter, refreshing side, pair the chicken with a crisp green salad. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette to add a burst of freshness. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.
FAQ
- Can I cook the chicken on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for about 3 ½ to 4 hours instead of the 6 to 7 hours on low. However, keep in mind that the slow cooking process on low helps retain moisture, resulting in more tender meat. - Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for slow cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. Cooking frozen chicken can cause uneven cooking times and may result in an unsatisfactory texture. Always defrost the chicken before using it in this recipe. - How can I store the leftover chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven or microwave, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. - Can I make this recipe without turmeric?
While turmeric adds a unique earthy flavor and vibrant color to the dish, you can skip it if you prefer or substitute it with other spices like cumin or curry powder. Keep in mind, the flavor profile will change, but the dish will still be delicious.
Slow-Cooker Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 4 to 5 pounds, excess fat trimmed
- Kosher salt such as Diamond Crystal and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 large garlic cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for the pot
- 1 large onion sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
- 1 large carrot peeled and quartered lengthwise
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning. Generously season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper, making sure to cover both the exterior and interior of the bird. The amount of salt should range from 5 to 7 teaspoons, depending on the chicken’s size, with a slight reduction for chickens smaller than 4 pounds. You can prepare the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it uncovered. Before cooking, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place half of the garlic cloves inside the chicken’s cavity.
- Cook the Chicken
- Coat the bottom of your 6- to 7-quart slow cooker with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Layer the sliced onion at the bottom and place the quartered carrots on top to form a stable rack for the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken over the vegetables, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the paprika and turmeric generously on all sides, ensuring the seasoning reaches every crevice. Scatter the remaining garlic cloves around the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads between 155°F and 165°F.
