How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Crockpot? The Complete Guide

Cooking a whole chicken in the crockpot is a great hands-off way to prepare a delicious and juicy family meal. But getting the timing right is crucial for both safety and optimal texture. In this complete guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully cook a whole chicken in the crockpot, from preparation tips to recommended cook times.

Why Cook a Whole Chicken in the Crockpot?

There are several excellent reasons to use your crockpot when cooking a whole chicken:

• Convenience: You can put the chicken in the crockpot in the morning and dinner will be ready when you get home from work. You don’t even have to touch the food.

• Tender and juicy meat: The slow, moist heat of the crockpot tenderizes the chicken and keeps it incredibly moist and flavorful.

• It gives the food more flavor because the chicken cooks in its own juices, soaking up the spices and flavors as it cooks slowly.

• For a lot of people, it’s an easy way to feed a big family or group. Just double the recipe as needed.

• Budget-friendly: Whole chickens are usually cheaper than buying chicken pieces. Get more for your money!

So if you want a fuss-free way to prepare tender, delicious chicken for dinner, the crockpot is perfect for the job. Let’s get into the nitty gritty details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Whole Chicken

Follow these simple steps for crockpot success:

1. Choose the Right Size Chicken

• A 3 to 4 pound chicken is ideal for the crockpot.
• Larger chickens over 5 pounds are tricky because the breast meat may dry out before the thighs are cooked through. Stick to a maximum of 5 pounds.
• If using a smaller 2 pound chicken, reduce cook time by 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Remove giblets and neck from the chicken cavity. Rinse cavity well.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, inside and out.
• Generously season all over with salt, pepper, herbs, garlic, etc. Get creative!
• For extra flavor, rub seasonings under the skin and place herbs inside cavity.

3. Add Aromatics (Optional)

• Chopped onions, carrots, celery and garlic add tons of flavor.
• Scatter them in the bottom of the crockpot before adding chicken.
• They also form a “rack” to elevate the chicken above the liquid.

4. Add a Small Amount of Liquid

• 1/2 to 1 cup of water, broth, or wine is usually sufficient.
• This helps create steam to cook the chicken evenly. Don’t submerge it.

5. Cook on Low Setting

• Cook for 7-8 hours on low for best results.
• The low, slow heat tenderizes the meat and keeps it extra moist.
• High heat can cause overcooking.

6. Use a Meat Thermometer

• Absolutely vital for food safety! Chicken must reach 165°F internally.
• Insert thermometer into thickest part of thigh, near the bone.
• If undercooked, continue cooking and recheck temperature.

7. Remove and Carve Chicken

• Use forks to gently remove chicken once fully cooked through.
• Let rest 10 minutes before carving.
• Serve and enjoy your tender, flavorful crockpot creation!

Crockpot Chicken Cook Times

Cooking times can be different depending on the type of slow cooker you use, the size of the chicken, and your personal taste. Use these general guidelines:

On Low Setting:

• 3-4 pound chicken: 7-8 hours
• 5 pound chicken: 9-10 hours
• 2 pound chicken: 6-7 hours

On High Setting:

• Reduce cook time by about half compared to the low setting.
• So a 3-4 pound chicken would take approximately 4 hours on high.
• But high heat increases risk of overcooking and drying out meat.

Always check internal temperature and adjust time if needed. Cook until 165°F in thickest thigh area.

Tips for Maximum Juiciness

The moist environment of the crockpot yields very juicy chicken, but here are some extra tips:

• Don’t peek! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes. Resist temptation.
• Elevate chicken above liquid using a rack or vegetables. Prevents sogginess.
• Use thigh temperature to gauge doneness, not breast. Thighs require longer cooking.
• Let chicken rest 10 minutes before carving. This retains juices.
• Use liquid sparingly. Too much liquid steams chicken, leading to dryness.

Follow these guidelines and your crockpot chicken will turn out super tender and juicy every time!

Common Questions

Can I use a frozen chicken?

Do not cook a fully frozen chicken in the crockpot. Always thaw first by placing in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

What temperature should the chicken reach?

165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, measured with an instant-read thermometer. This ensures it is cooked through for food safety.

Can I stuff the chicken cavity?

Yes, feel free to stuff the cavity with aromatics like lemon, herbs, onions, etc. But avoid fully stuffing it like a Thanksgiving turkey, as this interferes with even cooking.

Should I cook on high or low?

For best texture and moisture, cook on low. High can cause the breast and exterior to overcook before the thighs are done.

How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?

Leftover crockpot chicken will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I crisp up the skin?

The moist heat of the crockpot prevents truly crispy skin. But you can broil it for a few minutes after cooking to crispen it up.

The Perfect Whole Chicken Crockpot Meal

With this handy guide, you can confidently cook moist, tender whole chickens to perfection in your crockpot. Experiment with different seasoning blends and vegetable aromatics to make it your own. Serve with rice, potatoes or pasta for a complete and hearty meal the whole family will love. Happy crockpot cooking!