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Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken

Name: Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
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.)

15 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 4 hours + standing

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022

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

Place carrots and onion in a 6-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix garlic and oil. In another bowl, mix dry seasonings.
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.
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°.
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.