Here’s a full Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Dinner recipe — everything cooked together for a comforting, no-fuss meal with tender chicken, vegetables, and rich flavor.
🍗 Slow Cooker Full Chicken Dinner (Whole Chicken + Veggies)
🕒 Prep Time: 20 min | ⏳ Cook Time: 5–6 hrs (on low)
🔢 Serves: 4–6
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 whole chicken (3.5–5 lbs / 1.5–2.3 kg), giblets removed
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1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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2 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
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½ lemon (stuffed inside the cavity)
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4 cloves garlic, smashed
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1 onion, quartered (some for cavity, some for base)
For the Vegetables:
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4–5 carrots, peeled and chopped
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4 medium potatoes, chopped (Yukon gold or red work well)
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2–3 celery stalks, chopped
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Optional: 1–2 parsnips or sweet potatoes for variety
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies (Bottom Layer)
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Place onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Season the Chicken
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
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Rub with olive oil or melted butter.
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Mix all spices and rub them generously all over the chicken.
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Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and onion.
3. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
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Place the whole chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables.
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(If you want crispy skin, see the browning step below.)
4. Cook
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Cover and cook on:
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Low for 5–6 hours (best for tender, juicy meat)
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High for 3½–4 hours (faster, still good)
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🧪 Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
5. (Optional) Brown the Skin
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For crispy skin: After slow cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5–7 minutes until the skin crisps up.
6. Rest and Serve
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Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
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Serve with the vegetables and spoon over some of the flavorful juices.
🍽️ Optional Additions
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Add ½ cup white wine or chicken broth to the bottom for extra moisture and flavor.
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Toss in fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) with the vegetables for aromatic depth.
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Make a quick gravy from the drippings if desired.