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Whole seasoned chicken cooking in a slow cooker over carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
ThymeToSauté

Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Tender and juicy whole chicken cooked in the slow cooker with garlic, vegetables, and a flavorful homemade seasoning rub. Finished under the broiler for crispy skin and packed with comforting flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 Whole chicken
  • ½ tbsp lemon juice
Vegetables
  • 1 onion
  • Carrots
  • 4 celery sticks
  • 3 cloves garlic
Liquid
  • 1 cup chicken broth or 1 cup water with bouillon cube
Rub
  • 4 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

  • 1 Slow cooker
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 Measuring spoons
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Baking sheet for broiling
  • 1 Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Place celery, carrots, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Pour broth or bouillon mixture over the vegetables.
  3. Combine all seasoning rub ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Pat the chicken dry and rub with lemon juice.
  5. Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  6. Place chicken on top of the vegetables.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
  8. Remove chicken carefully and place on a baking sheet.
  9. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until skin is crispy.
  10. Rest for several minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Broiling the chicken after slow cooking helps crisp the skin.