Tender Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic Recipe: Family Favorite

Tucking fresh rosemary and thyme into this slow cooker whole chicken creates a mouthwatering meal that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Herbs and spices blend perfectly around tender meat waiting to be savored.

Juicy and succulent, the chicken emerges with golden-brown skin and delicate flavors that melt in your mouth.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking simple yet impressive dinners.

Minimal ingredients transform an ordinary protein into something extraordinary with just a few strategic touches.

Seasoned with care and patience, this recipe promises a comforting meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Grab your slow cooker and prepare for a dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Foods That Pair with Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing Pinot Grigio that cuts through the chicken's rich garlic flavors and complements its herbal seasonings.
• Roast root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes seasoned with similar herbs to echo the chicken's aromatic profile and provide hearty texture.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs, which will balance the chicken's deep garlic notes and add a tangy, refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve warm focaccia or crusty sourdough with rosemary and olive oil to soak up the delicious chicken juices and enhance the overall dining experience.

Add Variety to Your Slow Cooker Chicken

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace thyme and rosemary with fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Add lemon zest to enhance the herbal notes.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Swap regular seasonings with Cajun spice blend, including cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Include chopped jalapeños inside the cavity for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Herbal Option: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with dietary restrictions. Verify chicken broth is gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Substitute salt with salt-free herb blends. Use low-sodium chicken broth. Add fresh herbs like dill and chives for added flavor without increasing sodium content.

Got Garlic Chicken Questions? We’ve Got You

• Is the chicken safe to eat after slow cooking?

The internal temperature should reach 165F (75C) in the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to consume. Always use a meat thermometer to check.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor compared to fresh herbs.

• What if I don't have all the specific spices?

You can create a simple seasoning blend using salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you have on hand. The key is to ensure the chicken is well-seasoned before cooking.

• How do I keep the chicken moist during slow cooking?

Adding chicken broth to the slow cooker and cooking on low heat helps maintain moisture. Leaving the skin on and not overcooking also prevents the meat from drying out.

Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken That’s Always Juicy

• Craft a whole chicken meal without standing over a hot stove for hours, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious, hands-off dinner solutions.
• Blend aromatic herbs and spices that penetrate every inch of chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that tastes like you spent all day preparing.
• Slow cooking preserves chicken's natural moisture and nutrients while developing rich, deep flavors with minimal kitchen prep time.
• Transform this simple recipe into multiple dishes like sandwiches, salads, or soup with leftovers, maximizing your cooking investment and reducing food waste.

Ingredient List for Slow Cooker Chicken with Garlic

• Whole Chicken: Classic protein perfect for slow cooking, best when fresh and plump, ideal for family meals.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Essential spice mixture for creating rich, deep flavor profile, ensures well-seasoned meat throughout cooking.

• Garlic Cloves, Lemon Wedges, Onion Pieces: Natural flavor enhancers that infuse moisture and subtle citrus and aromatic notes into the chicken, helps create a more complex taste.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Moisture providers that prevent chicken from drying out, help create tender and juicy meat, olive oil adds slight richness and helps skin develop golden color.

• Melted Butter: Alternative to olive oil, provides extra richness and potential for golden, crispy skin when broiled.

Set and Forget Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Bird

Grab a whole chicken and gently pat it completely dry using clean paper towels. Check inside and remove any giblets or surprise packages lurking in the cavity.

Step 2: Spice It Up

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Rosemary
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Massage this magical seasoning blend all over the chicken, sliding some underneath the skin for maximum taste.

Step 3: Stuff with Goodness

• Smashed garlic cloves
• Lemon wedges
• Chunky onion pieces

Step 4: Get Cooking Ready

Drizzle olive oil or melted butter across the chicken’s surface. Carefully place the chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around the bottom.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 6: Optional Crispy Finish

Want golden, crackling skin? Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes until beautifully browned.

Step 7: Rest and Enjoy

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes. Carve and serve with your favorite accompaniments. Dinner is served!

Tips for Garlic Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Maximize Moisture: Pat the chicken completely dry to help seasonings stick and promote crispy skin, preventing excess water from making the meat soggy.
• Boost Flavor Penetration: Rub seasonings under the skin to ensure deep, rich taste that infuses directly into the meat, not just the surface.
• Prevent Dry Meat: Use chicken broth in the slow cooker to create a moist cooking environment that keeps the chicken tender and prevents overcooking.
• Customize Seasoning Blend: Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano, sage, or Italian seasoning to match your taste preferences or complement side dishes.
• Crisp Skin Hack: If you desire golden, crispy skin, quickly broil the chicken after slow cooking for a perfect texture contrast and attractive presentation.

Keeping Garlic Chicken Juicy After Cooking

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 4 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few tablespoons of broth over meat. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elevate your dinner with slow cooker whole chicken with garlic, a succulent marvel that infuses tender meat with rich, aromatic flavors. Juicy chicken emerges perfectly seasoned, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds / 1.8–2.3 kilograms)

Dry Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• ½ cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse the whole chicken, eliminating excess moisture with kitchen towels and removing internal organs if present.
2. Craft a robust spice blend combining aromatic herbs and ground seasonings, thoroughly massaging the mixture across the entire chicken surface, ensuring penetration beneath the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Create an internal flavor profile by nestling crushed garlic cloves, zesty lemon segments, and fragmented onion pieces within the chicken’s cavity.
4. Enhance moisture and richness by delicately drizzling olive oil or melted butter over the seasoned poultry, positioning it breast-side upward in the slow cooker’s basin and gently introducing chicken broth.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow gentle, consistent heat to transform the chicken over 6-8 hours on low setting or 4-5 hours on high, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165F (75C) in the thickest thigh region.
6. For those desiring a golden, crisp exterior, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and activate the broiler, watching intently for 3-5 minutes until the skin develops a beautiful bronzed finish.
7. Grant the chicken a brief resting period, permitting juices to redistribute, then ceremoniously carve and present alongside complementary accompaniments for a sumptuous dining experience.

Notes

• Pat the chicken completely dry to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
• Use a blend of dried herbs under the skin for deeper flavor penetration.
• Create a flavor-enhancing salt rub by mixing herbs and spices for maximum taste impact.
• Choose bone-in whole chicken for maximum moisture and richer taste compared to boneless cuts.
• For gluten-free adaptation, verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Consider removing skin before serving for lower-fat dietary needs.
• Elevate leftover chicken by shredding meat for salads, tacos, or sandwiches within 3-4 days.
• Enhance meal prep by adding root vegetables like carrots and potatoes around the chicken during slow cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg