To cook a chicken in a slow cooker, follow these basic steps:

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and seasoning it well with salt, pepper, and optionally other spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, or a seasoning blend.

2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. You can put onions, celery, or garlic at the bottom for extra flavor.

3. Add a small amount of liquid such as chicken broth or water around the chicken (optional, helps keep moist and can be used for stock).

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook:

   • On low for 6 to 8 hours, or
   • On high for 3 to 4 hours,
     until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.

5. Optional: For a crispy skin finish, you can broil the cooked chicken in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.

6. Rest the chicken for about 10 minutes before carving to retain juices.

This method works for whole chickens or chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed for the size and cut of chicken. Seasoning can be adjusted based on preference, using herbs, spices, and aromatics for flavor.

For shredded chicken, cook boneless breasts with seasoning, olive oil, and broth on either high for 2-4 hours or low for up to 8 hours, then shred with forks after cooking.

This simple slow cooker method yields juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort.