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
- Prepare the Chicken – Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
- 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.
- Stuff the Chicken – Place whole garlic cloves, onion quarters, and a lemon half inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
- Add to Slow Cooker – Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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!
Print
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This slow cooker whole chicken is juicy, tender, and infused with garlic and herbs. It’s the perfect fuss-free dinner with minimal prep—just season, set, and forget! Serve it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken – Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove giblets if included.
- Season the chicken – In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, including under the skin for extra flavor.
- Stuff the cavity – Place the smashed garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and onion pieces inside the chicken cavity.
- Place in slow cooker – Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) over the chicken and place it breast-side up in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth.
- 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) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Optional crisping step – If you want crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest & serve – Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Broth Tip: Use the flavorful broth from the slow cooker to make a quick gravy.
- Veggies Option: Add carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
- Leftovers Idea: Shred the leftover chicken for sandwiches, soups, or salads.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.