This slow cooker rotisserie chicken is made using a whole chicken cooked right in the crock pot for juicy, flavorful results. If you love store-bought rotisserie chicken but want a cleaner, more affordable option, this easy slow cooker method delivers the same seasoned flavor at home.
Cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker requires just minutes of prep and results in tender meat perfect for dinner, meal prep, or leftovers. With a simple spice blend and an optional broil step for crispy skin, this crock pot rotisserie chicken is a reliable go-to for busy nights.
If you are really short on time, learn how to make a rotisserie chicken in under an hour. Tender, flavorful, and succulent, it’s a meal that satisfies everyone around the table.
After a trip to the grocery store in search of a store-bought rotisserie chicken for lunches to bring to work, I realized how many additives and undesirable ingredients were in them. So, I decided to start making my own and after some experimenting in my kitchen, I discovered the best way to cook a whole chicken in the slow cooker while following a low-carb diet.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken in a Crock Pot
Choose Quality Chicken: Select organic or high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Remove any giblets or excess fat before seasoning.
Prep for Juiciness: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin and prevent excess moisture.
Crispier Skin: Place a foil ring at the bottom of the slow cooker to elevate the chicken and prevent it from sitting in its juices. This helps to promote even cooking and crispier skin.
Achieving Golden Brown Skin: After slow cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking pan and broil in the oven for a few minutes to achieve that irresistible golden brown and crispy skin.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken
- 1 whole organic chicken – (5 lbs works well for my slow cooker)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika is best)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker
A whole chicken cooks best on high in the slow cooker to ensure food safety and proper texture. Most 4–5 pound chickens will cook in 3 to 4 hours on high, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking a whole chicken on low is not recommended unless your slow cooker specifically supports it, as it can keep the chicken in the temperature danger zone too long.
For food safety purposes, it’s essential to cook the chicken on high heat for the recommended time or until it reaches the proper internal temperature. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the size of your chicken and your slow cooker’s settings.
How to Get Crispy Skin on Slow Cooker Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a baking pan. Place the chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Carefully carve the chicken and serve it hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Sweeten the Skin: For a true rotisserie seasoning blend, consider adding brown sugar to your dry rub recipe. Opting for a low-carb or keto variation? Swap out traditional brown sugar for Swerve Brown Sugar or your chosen sugar substitute.
This adjustment maintains the delightful flavor profile while catering to dietary preferences, offering a guilt-free indulgence for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
Sweet and Spicy Glaze: Combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a sweet and spicy glaze. Brush the glaze over the chicken during the last hour of cooking for a sticky and flavorful finish.
Citrus Infusion: Boost the flavor of your chicken by adding citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or orange slices to the cavity before cooking. The citrus juices will infuse the meat with a bright and tangy flavor.
Custom Spice Blends: Experiment with different spice combinations to create unique flavor profiles. Try adding cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, or swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Can You Cook a Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! It is easy to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker and the results are a juicy, flavorful rotisserie-style chicken. Start by selecting your chicken, preferably opting for organic varieties for optimal flavor and quality. Ensure your chicken fits comfortably inside your slow cooker; I typically utilize my larger oval crock pot, accommodating various chicken sizes.
If you are using a smaller round slow cooker, consider a more modest bird for a proper fit.
Next, coat your chicken with a straightforward yet flavorful spice blend before placing it in the slow cooker. To prevent the chicken from becoming overly moist during cooking, position it atop a foil ring within the cooker, serving as a makeshift rack.
With these simple steps, your whole chicken is poised for slow cooker success, promising tender and juicy results without the hassle of traditional oven roasting.
Is It Safe to Cook a Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! While concerns about cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker are common, rest assured that following the recommended high-heat cooking time guarantees both safety and succulence. Ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Adjust cooking times based on the size of your chicken and your slow cooker’s settings.
These are some of the most common questions readers ask about cooking a whole chicken in the slow cooker.
❓ Can you cook a whole chicken in a crockpot without adding liquid?
Yes. A whole chicken releases natural juices as it cooks. Adding liquid is unnecessary and can result in soggy skin.
❓ Do you need to brown chicken before slow cooking?
No. Browning is optional. Broiling the chicken after slow cooking is the best way to achieve crispy skin.
❓ Can I use frozen whole chicken in the slow cooker?
No. For food safety, whole chickens must be fully thawed before slow cooking.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Use this slow cooker rotisserie chicken in easy chicken dinners like
- Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Chicken Recipe – One Pan Meal
- Easy Cheesy Keto Crockpot Chicken Dump Meal
- Pressure Cooker Frozen Chicken Wings
- Easy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe (Low Carb)
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken - Rotisserie Style Seasoned
Make rotisserie-style chicken at home with this easy slow cooker whole chicken recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked easily in the crock pot.
Ingredients
- 1 whole 5 Pound chicken
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika is best)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Start by ensuring your whole organic chicken is cleaned and any giblets removed. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to create a flavorful spice blend.
Rub the spice blend evenly over the surface of the chicken, ensuring it's well coated on all sides.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider seasoning the cavity of the chicken as well. Create a foil ring at the bottom of your slow cooker to elevate the chicken and prevent it from sitting in its juices. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the foil ring, breast side up.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to retain heat and moisture. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a baking pan.
Place the chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully carve the chicken and serve it hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For food safety purposes, it's essential to cook the chicken on high heat for the recommended time or until it reaches the proper internal temperature.
Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the size of your chicken and your slow cooker's settings.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and works well for meal prep.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 632Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 266mgSodium 732mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 68g
The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.
Esta muy bien para tacos de pollo!
This looks and sounds so delicious! I must try! Thanks for posting!
Great Recipe! Must try. It’s very simple. Set and for get it.