Crockpot Whole Chicken

Crock Pot Whole Chicken is even better than store bought rotisserie chickens! It's fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and supremely flavorful. The seasoning is spectacular.

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 6

Servings:

Ingredients

4 teaspoons kosher salt, not fine table salt
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon thyme, fresh or dried
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
5-6 lbs chicken, whole

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Remove giblets from chicken and towel dry entire chicken well, both inside and out - this step is important to ensure chicken doesn't turn out "watery." Using your fingers, gently pry the skin away from the chicken all around, so you'll be able to season chicken underneath skin.
Using your fingers, gently pry the skin away from the chicken all around, so you'll be able to season chicken underneath skin.
Use your hands to evenly spread two-thirds of the spice mixture onto chicken, underneath the skin. Be sure to include all areas of chicken - legs, back, thighs, etc. Use remaining spice mixture to spread on top of skin.
Place chopped onion on bottom slow cooker. Place seasoned chicken on top of chopped onion in slow cooker. Cover and cook immediately or keep chilled up to overnight.
When ready to cook, turn slow cooker on Low for 5-6 hours only. Keep on warm until ready to serve.

Notes

It's important to use kosher salt vs. fine table salt, as fine salt is saltier by volume, as described in this article about kosher salt.
If you're using a smaller chicken, adjust for less salt.
If you'd like more heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper.
This dish is delicious over fluffy rice or potatoes so you can fully enjoy the sauce.
For best results, allow chicken to sit in seasoning overnight. I simply prepare the entire thing overnight and turn Crock Pot on the next day!
If you'd like more browning on top, place cooked chicken on a sheet pan and broil for 5 minutes or so, watching carefully not to burn.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Method: Slow Cooker