Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 4 hours + standing

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Sep. 03, 2023
It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 broiler/fryer chicken (4 to 5 lbs.)

Directions

  1. Place carrots and onion in a 6-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix garlic and oil. In another bowl, mix dry seasonings.
  2. Tuck wings under chicken; tie drumsticks together. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from chicken breast; rub garlic mixture under the skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks.
  3. Place chicken in slow cooker over carrots and onions, breast side up; sprinkle with seasoning mixture. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads at least 170°.
  4. Remove chicken from slow cooker; tent with foil. Discard vegetables. Let chicken stand 15 minutes before carving.

Can you freeze Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken?

Cool chicken pieces and any juices. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through slowly in a covered skillet until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Tips

Can you cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes! This method allows larger pieces of meat to cook fully without drying out smaller pieces that cook faster. We recommend at least a 6-quart slow cooker to fit the bird. It's an easy slow-cooker dinner idea to have on hand.

How long will it take to cook a whole chicken in the slow cooker?

Plan on between 4 and 5 hours, depending on the size of your chicken. For other methods, check out these roast chicken ideas.

What is rubbed sage?

This seasoning is simply dried sage that's rubbed until reaching a powdery consistency. You can also use 1-2 fresh sage leaves in this recipe, discarding leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

5 ounces cooked chicken: 408 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.