Crockpot Whole Chicken Perfected

Crockpot Whole Chicken Perfected

Crockpot Whole Chicken Perfected

As you look for easy, comforting meals to make at home, a crockpot whole chicken should be at the top of your list. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you'll have a family meal ready in a few hours that is fall-off-the-bone tender. The key is choosing a high-quality whole chicken, seasoning it well, and cooking it low and slow. The result is a dish that will fill your home with an intoxicating aroma and gather everyone around the table. If you've never made a whole chicken in a crockpot before, you're in for a treat. Follow these steps and in just a few hours, you'll be enjoying a delicious, homemade meal your whole family will love.

Why Cook a Whole Chicken in the Crockpot?

Convenience and Efficiency

Cooking a whole chicken in a crockpot offers several benefits over oven roasting.

• Hands-free cooking. Once you’ve placed the chicken in the crockpot, the work is done. No basting or turning the chicken required. You’re free to go about your day while your chicken cooks.

• Perfectly tender meat. The slow cooking process helps break down connective tissues in the meat, resulting in chicken so tender it falls right off the bone. The low, moist heat is ideal for rendering the collagen in the chicken.

• More flavor. As the chicken cooks, its juices are retained in the pot, allowing the meat to soak up more of the flavors. You can also add root vegetables, herbs, and spices to boost the flavor.

• Practical portions. A whole chicken yields both white and dark meat, giving you options for meals. Leftovers can be used in dishes like chicken noodle soup, chicken salad, or chicken pot pie.

• Energy efficient. Crockpots require very little energy to run compared to an oven. Cooking a chicken in a crockpot can save up to 75% more energy than cooking in a conventional oven.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why cooking a whole chicken in a crockpot should become a weekly ritual. Your slow cooker can produce a family meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly with only a few minutes of active prep time required. Give this hands-free cooking method a try and enjoy your crockpot chicken!

Choosing the Right Size Crockpot for a Whole Chicken

When choosing a crockpot for cooking a whole chicken, size matters. For the best results, select a crockpot that will hold the chicken comfortably without crowding.

A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for a typical whole chicken.

A smaller 4-quart crockpot may be too cramped, making it difficult to position the chicken properly and limiting the amount of juices and aromatics you can add. A larger 8-quart crockpot will also work, but you may need to increase the cooking time. For the most even cooking and to ensure the chicken is done through, choose a model with an oval-shaped insert rather than a round one.

Select a crockpot with adjustable heat settings.

A crockpot that allows you to select a low or high heat setting provides more control and flexibility. For whole chicken, use the low setting which will gently simmer the chicken until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, usually 8 to 10 hours. The high setting can be used if you're in a time crunch, but check on the chicken earlier as it may overcook.

When it comes to preparing a memorable whole chicken crockpot meal, using an appropriately sized crockpot and selecting a model with adjustable heat settings are two of the most important factors to keep in mind. With some simple tips and the right equipment, you'll be enjoying a delicious fall-apart tender whole chicken in no time.

Best Practices for Crockpot Whole Chicken

For the perfect crockpot whole chicken, following best practices will ensure a tender and flavorful result.

Brine the Chicken

Brining the chicken helps it retain moisture as it cooks. Make a simple brine of 1 gallon water, 1/2 cup salt, and 1/2 cup sugar. Submerge the chicken in the brine, breast side down, for 8 to 12 hours. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before placing in the crockpot.

Choose the Right Size Crockpot

Select a crockpot that will fit the chicken snugly but still allow for circulation. For a typical 4 to 6 pound chicken, a 5 to 6 quart crockpot works well. If the crockpot is too large, the chicken won’t cook evenly.

Add Liquid

Add 1 to 2 cups of liquid such as broth, water, or juice to the crockpot. The liquid will create steam to help the chicken cook and prevent drying out. Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions for extra flavor.

Cook on Low

Cook the chicken on the low setting. About 8 hours on low for a 4 to 6 pound chicken should yield perfect fall-off-the-bone meat. High heat may cause the outside to overcook before the inside is done.

Finishing Touches

Once cooked, the chicken can be crisped under a preheated broiler for a few minutes or browned in a skillet with oil. The drippings in the crockpot also make a flavorful gravy. Shred or cube any leftover chicken for dishes like chicken noodle soup, chicken salad, or chicken chili.

Following these best practices for crockpot whole chicken will reward you with a tender and juicy chicken for any meal. The hands-free, slow cooking method allows you to prepare a satisfying chicken dinner without fuss. Enjoy!

Top 5 Crockpot Whole Chicken Recipe Ideas

There are several tried-and-true recipe ideas for cooking a whole chicken in a crockpot. Here are the top 5:

Classic Crockpot Whole Chicken

This simple recipe is perfect for a Sunday dinner. Place a 4 to 5 pound whole chicken in the crockpot. Rub the outside with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the pot. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. The long, slow cooking will result in an extremely tender and juicy chicken.

Lemon and Herb Crockpot Whole Chicken

For extra flavor, place slices of lemon and fresh herbs inside the chicken cavity. Truss the legs together with kitchen twine and rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the crockpot. The lemon and herbs will infuse the chicken with bright, fresh flavor as it cooks.

BBQ Crockpot Whole Chicken

Coat a whole chicken with your favorite BBQ rub or sauce before placing in the crockpot. Add 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the bottom of the pot. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken will become fall-apart tender and richly flavored with the BBQ sauce. Serve the chicken with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw and cornbread.

Garlic Crockpot Whole Chicken

For extra savory flavor, place 6 to 8 peeled garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity. Truss the legs and rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to the crockpot. The garlic and vinegar will infuse the chicken with a tangy, aromatic flavor as it cooks.

Vegetables and Rice Crockpot Whole Chicken

Place 1 pound of potatoes, carrots and onions around the chicken in the crockpot. Add 1 cup rice, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook on Low 6 to 8 hours. The rice and vegetables will soak up the delicious juices from the chicken as it cooks, resulting in a complete and balanced meal from the crockpot.

Crockpot Whole Chicken FAQs

Once you have prepared and placed the whole chicken in your crockpot, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it cooks properly and safely.

Internal Temperature

The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any harmful bacteria. To check, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.

Cooking Time

A whole chicken generally takes 6 to 8 hours on Low or 3 to 4 hours on High to cook thoroughly in a crockpot. The exact time will depend on the specific crockpot and the chicken’s size. Check for the proper internal temperature to ensure it is cooked through.

Add Liquid

Add 1 to 2 cups of liquid such as broth, wine, or water to the crockpot. The liquid will help the chicken retain moisture as it cooks and also create a sauce or gravy. Add root vegetables like carrots and celery to the liquid for extra flavor.

Browning the Chicken

Browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot will enhance the flavor. Pat the outside dry, then sear in a hot skillet with oil for 3 to 5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the crockpot. The browned bits left in the skillet can also be deglazed with broth or wine and added to the crockpot.

Shredding the Meat

Once cooked, the meat should practically fall off the bone. Use two forks to shred and pull the meat from the chicken. Remove skin and bones. The shredded chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, and stews. Save the leftover broth for cooking rice or vegetables.

Following these tips will help you achieve a fall-off-the-bone tender crockpot whole chicken. Let the tempting aroma fill your home as the chicken slowly cooks to perfection. Your patience will be well rewarded.

Conclusion

With a few simple ingredients and some patience, your crockpot can yield a bird that's fall-off-the-bone tender. Forget the hassle of roasting a whole chicken in the oven - your slow cooker does the work for you. As the chicken cooks for hours in its own juices, the meat becomes incredibly moist and flavorful. The end result is a Sunday supper your whole family will savor. You'll have leftovers for days to use in sandwiches, soups, and stews. For a wholesome, homemade meal that couldn't be easier, try this crockpot whole chicken recipe. Before you know it, the savory aroma will fill your kitchen, and you'll be enjoying a taste of simple comfort.