This is my favorite recipe for making slow cooker whole chicken! It's one of my go-to's when I need an easy all-in-one meal! Only 5 ingredients are needed to make this perfectly juicy and tender lemon pepper chicken with potatoes and carrots in a savory gravy.
Cooking Whole Chicken in a Crockpot is Easy!
Easy Recipe for Whole Chicken in Crockpot! Use a premade lemon pepper seasoning, a whole chicken, veggies, and a gravy packet - that's it! Sprinkle the chicken and place it all in the crockpot.
Meal-in-One. Weeknights are nuts for me, so I always lean towards recipes I can quickly whip together or pre-prep. This whole chicken with carrots and potatoes is literally a meal-in-one - and perfect for busy evenings.
Tender and Flavorful. Cooking a whole chicken in a moist environment like the crockpot ensures very tender and juicy meat. I used a simple lemon pepper seasoning, but any salted dry rub will work.
Whole Chicken Crockpot Meal Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe for slow cooker whole chicken in the crockpot:
- Whole Chicken: in this recipe, we use a four-pound whole chicken. You can make a smaller or larger crockpot whole chicken based on your preference.
- Dry Chicken Gravy Mix
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Potatoes: you can use baby potatoes or you can use any larger potato. You can leave the peel on and cut it into 2-inch pieces or peel it before adding it to your crockpot.
- Carrots: use large carrots, peel them, and cut them into 2-inch pieces, or you can make them easy with baby carrots that are already prepared and in bite-size pieces.
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For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- Add more aromatics to your crockpot, such as diced onion, minced garlic, or chopped celery. This will add flavor to your whole chicken crockpot recipe.
- Add more seasoning, such as garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, etc.
- Add some heat by adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can always add more for your heat tolerance preference.
- Substitute chicken leg quarters and bone-in chicken thighs, or cut your whole chicken into sections for quicker cooking.
- Cook your chicken on high for 4 to 6 hours or until your internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- You may want to double the dry gravy mix if using a larger chicken (greater than 4 pounds).
How To Cook a Whole Chicken in a Crockpot
This is intended as an overview only. For detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below. Enjoy!
- Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle seasoning on all sides of the chicken.
- In a large bowl mix together the vegetables, chicken gravy, and cornstarch. Place on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Nestle the chicken on top of the veggies, then cover and cook on low until done.
- Optional: after the chicken is cooked, you can place it under the broiler to give it some color - this is completely optional - I know how busy you are!
- Place on a cutting board and tent with foil before slicing.
How to Serve It
- This is the perfect meal in one - just slice your chicken up and serve with the potatoes, carrots and gravy on top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for extra color.
Meal idea! Make a small side salad with your favorite dressing. Serve the main as it is—it's intended to be this easy! : ) You can also serve it with any bread to help soak up all the delicious gravy if you'd like.
Tips For Cooking Crockpot Chicken Whole
- Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup afterward.
- Crockpot temperatures vary, so it is important to watch the internal temperature of the chicken doesn't overcook and get dry.
- Broiling your chicken afterwards adds color and depth of flavor. You can skip this step if you're in a hurry, but it is a great addition!
FAQ's
Once cooled, slice off any remaining chicken of the bone, or leave it on the bone, and store in an airtight container. Store the vegetables in a separate container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze it, remove all the chicken from the bone first. I don't recommend freezing the vegetables, but the chicken will be fine for up to 4 months.
Transfer your portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on low heat in 30-second increments until the desired temperature is met.
You do not need to cover your chicken in the slow cooker with liquid. Moisture and the juices from the chicken will accumulate in the crockpot as it cooks without adding any additional liquid.
I prefer to cook chicken on low to prevent overcooking. It is quite easy to overcook chicken, and all slow cookers cook at different speeds and temperatures. Cooking on low gives you more control to prevent overcooking.
It is not required but you can brown the chicken before cooking or after for additional color and flavor.
📖 The recipe.
Crockpot Whole Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (4-pound) whole chicken
- 2 packets dry chicken gravy mix
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 pound potatoes (cut into 2" pieces)
- 1 pound carrots (peeled and cut into 2" pieces)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry. Sprinkle lemon pepper over all sides of the chicken.
- Place vegetables in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the dry chicken gravy mix over the top and stir. Place chicken on top.
- Cover and slow cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 160 degrees when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Optional: To brown the skin, preheat oven to broil. Place the chicken on a broiling or sheet pan. Adjust the rack so that the chicken is 6" away from the heating element. Broil the chicken on the top until it is golden brown. (Be careful not to overcook, this can dry out the chicken breast)
- Remove the chicken and place on a cutting board. Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is resting, stir the vegetables gently in the gravy. (Note: if the gravy needs thickening, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Stir into the crockpot and let it continue to cook with the lid off until thickened. Add more cornstarch if needed.)
Notes
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Use any salted seasoning blend in place of lemon pepper—or just garlic salt and pepper. Add more or less vegetables according to your crockpot size.
- TIPS: If the gravy is not thick enough for you, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and add to the vegetables after removing the chicken. Stir it in and let the mixture cook with the lid off.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: This is intended as an easy meal in one, but a fresh green salad with a favorite salad dressing would be lovely.
Nutrition
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