Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic and Herbs is a juicy, tender, and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and other herbs, this comforting meal cooks slowly to perfection—making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday feast. It’s a great alternative to store-bought rotisserie chicken and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas.

ingredients

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic + Herbs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)olive oilgarlic clovesfresh rosemaryfresh thymefresh parsleyonioncarrotscelerysaltblack pepperpaprikalemon

directions

Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, making sure to coat the skin well.

Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Place chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.

Set the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

(Optional) For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 6-8 hours (on low)Broil time (optional): 5-7 minutesTotal time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Swap fresh herbs for dried if needed—use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb.

Add baby potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker for a full one-pot meal.

Use smoked paprika or add chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Include a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Stuff the chicken with apple slices for a fall-inspired twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.You can freeze shredded chicken in freezer bags for up to 3 months.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 3.5–4 hours, but low is recommended for best tenderness.

Does the chicken get crispy in the slow cooker?

No, for crispy skin, you’ll need to broil it after slow cooking.

Can I use boneless chicken?

This recipe is designed for a whole chicken, but you can adapt the flavors to boneless parts.

What size slow cooker should I use?

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for a 4-5 pound whole chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken?

No, the chicken should be fully thawed for food safety.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Do I need to add broth or water?

No liquid is necessary—the chicken and vegetables will release enough moisture.

Can I skip the vegetables?

Yes, but they add great flavor and serve as a natural roasting rack.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic and Herbs is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—delicious, juicy, and infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table with ease.