Juicy Garlic-Infused Tender Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe

Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker with garlic creates a mouthwatering centerpiece that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

This simple slow cooker whole chicken recipe brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The secret lies in perfectly seasoned meat that falls right off the bone.

Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb every hint of garlic and herbs, resulting in an incredibly juicy meal.

Each bite promises rich, deep flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal prep and maximum taste make this dish a weeknight dinner champion.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic

• Whole Chicken: Select a fresh, plump bird that fits comfortably in your slow cooker with no significant damage or discoloration.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Creates a robust, aromatic spice mix that enhances the chicken's natural flavors and provides a complex, layered taste profile.

• Garlic Cloves, Lemon Wedges, Onion Pieces: Infuse the chicken with bright, zesty notes and create incredibly moist, tender meat while releasing subtle, complementary flavor undertones during slow cooking.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Helps prevent chicken from drying out, adds moisture, and contributes to a rich, succulent final texture while preventing sticking and promoting even heat distribution.

Tools That Help Prep and Cook a Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Slow cooker: Essential for effortless, tender chicken cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for patting chicken dry and preparing ingredients.
• Paper towels: Perfect for drying chicken and removing excess moisture.
• Small mixing bowl: Used for combining dry seasonings.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure spices accurately.
• Tongs or meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Baking sheet (optional): Useful for crisping chicken skin under broiler.
• Sharp carving knife: Required for slicing and serving chicken after cooking.

How to Cook Garlic Chicken Whole and Juicy

• Clean and Prep the Bird

Remove the inner parts and gently dry the chicken using clean towels, ensuring the surface is completely moisture-free.

• Craft Your Flavor Blend

Create a magical seasoning mixture using herbs and spices, massaging it thoroughly across every inch of the chicken – even sneaking some under the skin for maximum deliciousness.

• Jazz Up the Inner Space

Tuck whole garlic cloves, zesty lemon chunks, and onion pieces inside the chicken’s cavity to infuse rich, mouthwatering flavors during cooking.

• Nestle into Slow Cooker

Generously drizzle olive oil over the chicken, carefully placing it breast-side up in the slow cooker. Pour a splash of chicken broth around the base for extra moisture.

• Transform into Tender Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic – low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F.

• Optional Crispy Finale

For those craving golden, crackling skin, quickly transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for a quick 5-minute transformation.

• Rest and Feast

Allow the chicken to relax for 10 minutes before carving. Serve alongside your favorite accompaniments and enjoy!

Flavor Infusions to Try with Slow-Cooked Chicken

• For extra-crispy skin, pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and consider using a hairdryer to remove excess moisture for better browning.
• Experiment with different dried herbs like oregano, sage, or Italian seasoning blend to change the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
• Reduce salt and use salt-free herb blends for a heart-healthy version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Skip the onion and use low-carb vegetables like celery or bell peppers inside the cavity to add extra flavor without increasing carbohydrates.
• Season the chicken the night before and store in the refrigerator to allow spices to deeply penetrate the meat, intensifying the overall flavor.

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken for Dinner or Meal Prep

• Herb Garden Delight: Serve alongside a vibrant medley of roasted rosemary potatoes and fresh thyme-infused carrots for a fragrant, farm-to-table experience.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a hearty spread with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and a light garden salad to complement the rich, tender chicken.
• Mediterranean Inspired Plate: Pair with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, and lemon wedges to add bright, zesty flavors that enhance the garlic-infused chicken.
• Wine Country Presentation: Match with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a light quinoa pilaf for an elegant dinner experience.

Best Storage Options for Chicken That Stays Moist

• Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container, sealing tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Slice or shred chicken before freezing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 4 months when properly sealed.
• Transform leftovers into quick lunches like chicken salad, tacos, or sandwich fillings. Chop cold chicken and mix with mayo, herbs, or your favorite dressing for instant meal solutions that save time and reduce food waste.
• Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, use oven method at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Tender Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Garlic-infused whole chicken emerges as a culinary masterpiece from your slow cooker, delivering rich, tender flavors that dance across taste buds. Mediterranean herbs and succulent meat promise a comforting meal that draws family and friends closer around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 tbsps olive oil or melted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Meticulously blot the poultry with absorbent towels, ensuring complete dryness and removing any internal organs.
2. Seasoning Infusion: Craft a vibrant spice blend combining salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly across the entire chicken surface, penetrating beneath the skin to maximize flavor penetration.
3. Cavity Enhancement: Nestle crushed garlic cloves, tangy lemon wedges, and aromatic onion chunks within the chicken’s internal cavity, creating a flavor reservoir.
4. Slow Cooker Positioning: Lavish the chicken with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, positioning it breast-side upward in the slow cooker. Gently pour chicken broth around the bird to maintain moisture.
5. Culinary Transformation: Secure the lid and allow the chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or accelerate on high for 4-5 hours. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) at the thickest thigh section.
6. Texture Refinement: For those desiring crisp exterior, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and briefly broil for 5 minutes until achieving a golden, crackling skin.
7. Serving Presentation: Allow the chicken to rest peacefully for 10 minutes, permitting juices to redistribute, then carve and plate alongside complementary accompaniments.

Notes

• Pat the chicken completely dry to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
• Gently separate skin from meat and rub seasonings underneath for deeper flavor penetration.
• Position chicken breast-side up to prevent drying out and ensure uniform heat distribution.
• Use broiler method for 5 minutes to achieve golden, crackling exterior after slow cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg