Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Rotisserie Style Crock Pot Chicken

This slow cooker whole chicken recipe shares how to make a rotisserie-style seasoned chicken easily in a crock pot. This recipe makes a perfect main dish and the leftovers make meal prep a breeze when preparing meals that call for rotisserie chicken.

The whole family will love this budget-friendly crockpot dinner. Simple, delicious, and healthy, you’ll wish you had tried making a whole chicken in a slow cooker long ago. With just a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have this slow cooker roasted chicken ready to enjoy after a busy day.

If you are really short on time, learn how to make a rotisserie chicken in under and 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.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for an 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-Style 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

Recipe for Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Start by ensuring your whole organic chicken is cleaned and any giblets removed.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to create a flavorful spice blend.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Rub the spice blend evenly over the surface of the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides.
2. For an extra burst of flavor, consider seasoning the cavity of the chicken as well.

Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker

1. Create a foil ring at the bottom of your slow cooker to elevate the chicken and prevent it from sitting in its juices.
2. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the foil ring, breast side up.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Whole Chicken

1. 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).
2. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to retain heat and moisture.

Step 5: How to Get Crispy Skin on Slow Cooker Chicken

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a baking pan.
2. Place the chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Carefully carve the chicken and serve it hot with your favorite sides.

Recipe 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.

Substitutions & Variations on this Rotisserie Style Crock Pot 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.

More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

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)

Want more recipes sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free newsletter so you never miss another easy slow cooker recipe again. Are you on Pinterest? Head over and connect with me!