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A tender cooked whole chicken resting in a black slow-cooker style pot with juices in the bottom and seasoning on the skin.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

haveyoumade.com
prep: 5 minutes
total: 8 hours
servings: 6
An easy slow cooker whole chicken that turns out tender, juicy, and perfect for meal prep. Use the shredded meat in multiple recipes and turn the bones into homemade broth.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds
  • aromatics such as onion or garlic optional
  • water or broth
  • salt and pepper optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken by removing any packaging and giblets. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Add aromatics if using, or leave the chicken plain for more flexibility in later recipes.
  • Pour a small amount of water or broth into the slow cooker (optional)
  • Cook on Low for 8 hours until the chicken is very tender and pulls apart easily.
  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, remove the skin, and take the meat off the bones.

Notes

  • Leaving the chicken unseasoned keeps it versatile for multiple meals.
  • Use the shredded chicken in salads, soups, casseroles, wraps, or quick lunches.
  • After removing the meat, use the bones to make broth for even more value.
  • If sharing with a dog, skip onions, garlic, and heavy seasonings. Plain slow-cooked chicken and homemade broth are both safe in small amounts.
  • The amount of cooked chicken and broth will vary based on the size of the whole chicken.