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whole chicken in a crockpot with herbs.
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Whole Chicken in a Crockpot

This exceedingly easy recipe for how to roast a chicken in a crockpot will ease any kitchen burden you have!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: whole chicken in a crockpot
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 26kcal
Author: Wendi Spraker
Cost: $7

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole roasting Hen
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 cup broth
  • 1 TBS butter – melted optional
  • Garnish with lemon slices and rosemary

Instructions

  • Remove Hen from packaging and rinse well. Pat dry with paper towels. Salt and pepper the inside of the cavity and the outside very well (should feel like it fell in the sandbox and you quickly dusted him off– use plenty). Sprinkle Thyme over the chicken. Add some broth to the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Place the chicken in the crock pot – I like to put it in with breasts facing up – but that is up to you – either way will work.
  • Place the lid on the crock pot. Turn crock pot on low. Do not disturb for at least 8 hours. That’s it, don’t add water, don’t add anything. Now, Go to work – chicken will be done when you get home. Seriously. Don’t put anything else in the crock pot. Really. Go to work.
  • When you arrive home 8 hours later – a little longer is no big deal – the chicken is ready. Only do this next step if you are super crazy about super crispy chicken skin. The skin will be suitably crispy just from the crock pot.
  • (Optional step) Turn the broiler on in your oven. Gently lift the chicken out of the crock pot with two large wooden spoons and place it gently in a cast iron skillet. Gently. Don’t scream or anything but his wings and legs might fall off. Paint the melted butter onto the exposed skin. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Garnish. Serve.

Video

Notes

  • You'll want to use a roasting hen. There are different types of whole chicken available and having the right chicken will make the difference in how tender your final product is.
  • Try your favorite seasonings. A good start is salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders with some paprika. You can get a little crazy with it by using some whole grain mustard, worcestershire, rosemary, sage and other spices, herbs and flavorings.
  • The skin on your chicken won't be crispy unless you take steps to make it so.
  • This chicken is great to use for shredded chicken recipes like chicken tacos, casseroles, etc.
  • Follow this guide for knowing when your chicken meat is done!
 
PRO TIP: To crisp the skin after cooking, place the entire chicken on a rimmed baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.003g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg