Here are several popular and easy recipes for cooking a whole chicken in a crockpot (slow cooker):

1. Rotisserie-Style Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

• Ingredients: 5 lb whole chicken (neck and giblets removed), brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
• Method: Mix spices, rub all over chicken, place on a foil ring rack in slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours until internal temp reaches 165°F. Optional broil for 4-5 minutes for crispy skin

2. Garlic Butter Crockpot Whole Chicken

• Ingredients: 4 lb whole chicken, unsalted butter, dried parsley, seasoning salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika
• Method: Loosen skin, spread seasoned butter under and over skin, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours until 165°F internal temp. Optional broil for crispy skin

3. Classic Crockpot Whole Chicken with Onions and Herbs

• Ingredients: Whole chicken (4-6 lbs), onions, olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• Method: Slice onions and place at bottom of crockpot, place chicken breast side up on onions, rub with olive oil and seasonings. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until 165°F internal temp. Optional broil for crispy skin

4. Lemon Garlic Slow Cooker Roast Chicken

• A 4 lb chicken takes about 5 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH and results in juicy, roast-like chicken

5. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Veggie Nest

• Ingredients: 3 lb chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, olive oil, celery, carrots, onion, baby potatoes, fresh herbs
• Method: Place chopped veggies and herbs in bottom of slow cooker, place seasoned chicken on top, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until 165°F. Make gravy from drippings if desired

General Tips

• Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• To get crispy skin, transfer cooked chicken to an oven-safe dish and broil for a few minutes.
• Use a bed of onions or vegetables to keep chicken elevated and add flavor.
• Seasonings can vary from simple salt and pepper to complex blends including paprika, garlic, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika for rotisserie flavor

These recipes offer a variety of flavor profiles and cooking times but all deliver moist, tender whole chicken cooked conveniently in a crockpot.