Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic

This slow cooker whole chicken with garlic is an effortless way to make a juicy, tender, and flavorful roasted-style chicken with minimal prep. Infused with garlic, herbs, and spices, this recipe results in a perfectly seasoned chicken that falls off the bone. Cooking a whole chicken in the crockpot ensures a moist and delicious meal, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It – Minimal effort with maximum flavor.
• Super Juicy & Tender – Slow cooking locks in moisture.
• Garlic-Infused Goodness – Rich, savory flavors with every bite.
• Great for Meal Prep – Use leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or salads.
• No Oven Needed – Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• Garlic cloves (whole and minced)
• Onion (quartered)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Lemon (optional, for added brightness)
• Chicken broth (or water)
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken – Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Chicken – Rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Stuff the Chicken – Place whole garlic cloves, onion quarters, and a lemon half inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
4. Add to Slow Cooker – Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken.
5. Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Optional Crispy Skin – For a roasted finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
7. Rest & Serve – Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the garlic-infused juices from the slow cooker.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Total Time: Up to 8 hours

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Herb Butter Chicken – Mix softened butter with fresh herbs and rub it under the skin for extra flavor.
• Lemon-Garlic Chicken – Use extra lemon juice and zest for a citrusy touch.
• BBQ Style – Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Asian-Inspired – Add soy sauce, ginger, and honey to the broth for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Shred the chicken and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating – Warm in the microwave, oven, or stovetop with a bit of broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I cook the chicken from frozen?

No, for food safety reasons, the chicken should be fully thawed before slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Add carrots, potatoes, or celery at the bottom of the slow cooker for a complete meal.

How do I prevent my chicken from being dry?

Slow cooking on low and not overcooking will keep the chicken juicy.

Can I make gravy with the drippings?

Yes! Strain the juices and simmer with cornstarch for a delicious homemade gravy.

Can I use a smaller or larger chicken?

Adjust the cooking time based on the size. A 3-lb chicken may take 4-5 hours on low, while a 6-lb chicken may need up to 9 hours.

Do I need to add liquid?

A small amount of broth helps keep the chicken moist, but the chicken will also release its own juices.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes (for a 4-5 lb chicken) and do a 10-minute natural release.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No, but searing it in a pan before slow cooking adds extra flavor.

What’s the best way to carve a whole chicken?

Let it rest, then slice the breasts, remove the legs and thighs, and pull apart the wings.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, about 3-4 hours on low.

Conclusion

This slow cooker whole chicken with garlic is an easy, foolproof way to make a flavorful, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try. Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it shredded in soups and sandwiches!

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