Dinner

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Seasoning Recipe

BySimon Carel December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

Introduction

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is an easy, hands-off way to prepare a flavorful and juicy bird perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this recipe delivers tender chicken seasoned with a simple blend of spices.

A whole roasted chicken sits in a black slow cooker, showing a well-browned, spiced skin with a mix of dark and golden brown tones. The chicken is placed breast side up in the center, with legs and wings spread out naturally, slightly charred. Small green herb pieces are scattered lightly on the chicken's surface. The slow cooker's interior is shiny black, contrasting with the chicken and catching some of the cooking juices that pool around the bird, creating a light glossy effect. The textures of the chicken skin look crisp and seasoned, highlighting the roasting process. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 to 5 pound whole chicken
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (for Instant Pot only)
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

Step 1: If your chicken came with a bag of giblets inside the cavity, remove it.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drizzle the oil evenly all over the chicken.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and cayenne. Season the chicken evenly and all over with this seasoning mixture.
Step 4: For the slow cooker method, spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the prepared chicken inside.
Step 5: Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: For the Instant Pot method, place the trivet in the pressure cooker and add the chicken broth or water.
Step 8: Place the prepared chicken on the trivet. Close the lid and seal the valve.
Step 9: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 6 minutes per pound of chicken.
Step 10: When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 11: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, you can place the cooked chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes after cooking.
Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme inside the cavity for added aroma.
Use homemade chicken broth instead of water for deeper flavor when using the Instant Pot.
Make sure to pat the chicken dry to help the seasoning stick better.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through to avoid drying out the meat. Leftover chicken can also be shredded and used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.

How to Serve

A whole roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin covered in a spice rub, placed inside a black roasting pan. The chicken has a slightly shiny texture from the cooking juices pooled around it. Small green herb pieces are scattered on top of the chicken, adding a fresh touch to the rich, browned surface. The edges of the chicken show some dark, charred spots, giving it a well-cooked look. The whole dish rests on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken for even cooking and best results. Cooking times may vary if using frozen chicken, especially in the slow cooker.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.