Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of a perfectly cooked whole chicken and tender vegetables that have been slowly simmering all day. This Slow Cooker Full Chicken Dinner is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality feast with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for hassle-free dinner solutions, or someone who craves home-style comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove giblets from the whole chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Rub the entire chicken thoroughly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage on all surfaces.
- Place quartered onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Carefully position the seasoned whole chicken on top of the onions, breast side up.
- Arrange quartered potatoes and chopped carrots around the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Slowly pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, being careful not to wash off the seasoning from the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 6 hours, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, with pan juices spooned over the chicken and vegetables if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for a fresh, high-quality whole chicken between 3-4 lbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Even though slow cookers create moist environments, patting the chicken dry helps seasonings adhere better and promotes more even cooking.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with your spice blend—massaging the seasoning thoroughly ensures maximum flavor penetration.
- Layer Strategically: Placing onions at the bottom creates a flavorful base and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest 10-15 minutes allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep—it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
