When it comes to juggling jobs, kids, hobbies, and maybe a little bit of down time, there are definitely things that fall by the wayside in our week. Sometimes the laundry piles up or the vacuuming doesn’t get done, but we try to make sure that we never let dinnertime be one of the things that gets skipped over or rushed. That doesn’t mean, however, that we don’t use things like our crockpot to make things a little easier! We have a pretty big family, so lately we’ve been enamoured with recipes that show us how to make a whole tasty full-sized chicken in the slow cooker, letting is prep while we’re out at work all day.
Just in case you love the idea of making whole chicken crockpot meals just as much as we do, if not more, here are 15 of the very best and most creative recipes we’ve come across in our endless search for different recipes and takes on the idea!
1. Basic crockpot chicken how-to
Okay, we know we said we’d compiled some really original ideas for you, but not everyone is as experienced in the kitchen as some and everyone has to start with the basics! Just in case you’ve never made a whole chicken crockpot dinner before, here’s a fantastic tutorial from Freebie Finding Mom that keeps is simple and shows you how it’s done in nice, easy detail.
2. Paprika crockpot chicken
Are you pretty pleased with the idea that you could keep your crockpot chicken nice and simple but, at the same time, you’re convinced your family will like the whole idea even better if you add a bit of extra flavour, just to give things a slight kick? Then we think you might get along a little better with something like this paprika crockpot chicken recipe outlined step by step on Family Fresh Meals.
3. Crockpot chicken with home blended smoked BBQ chicken rub
Has your favourite kind of chicken always been barbecue but you don’t make it very often because you live in a very cold place and BBQ season is short? Well, it might not taste quite as authentic as it would on your grill, but here’s an almost-as-good barbecue chicken crockpot recipe from DIY Thrill to get you through to summer.
4. Frozen or thawed bird technique
Are you feeling a little bit skeptical of the idea of making crockpot chicken because some days you’re able to pick up a fresh chicken from the grocer the night before and some days you’re not, but you don’t see how a frozen bird will really thaw and cook in just a day? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Mom Makes Dinner outlines a technique for both options for you, letting you make whole crockpot chicken no matter which kind you’ve got to work with.
5. Roasted crockpot chicken with onions and rosemary
Were you very intrigued indeed by the idea of adding a little extra flavour to your whole chicken crockpot meal but you’re just not sure the kids will be down for the taste of so much paprika, like we showed you above? Then perhaps onions and rosemary would be a better option! See how this milder but delicious flavour is created on Thrift Northwest Moms.
6. Slow cooker chicken with homemade gravy
Is your family’s favourite part of enjoying a chicken dinner actually the gravy that results because they love to smother their creamy mashed potatoes in it? Well, it might not sound like it on first mention, but crockpot chicken meals can actually result in fantastic tasting gravy too! Recipes From a Pantry is here to show you how to make that happen with lots of flavour.
7. Crockpot Mississippi whole chicken
Maybe you’re still thinking about different ways to add a bit of a kick to your crockpot chicken meal but you’d prefer a bit more spice than the paprika recipe has to offer you? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at how Recipes That Crock made this Mississippi chicken in their crockpot. Hot peppers give it some zing!
8. Crockpot Asian style whole chicken
Perhaps your family’s favourite dinner is actually Chinese takeout but one of your New Year’s resolutions was to order in less and cook at home more? In that case, a recipe like this Asian style whole chicken dish outlined step by step on The Family Freezer might be a little more up your alley! Their tutorial shows you how to make it happen in just a few simple steps.
9. Crockpot whole chicken with slow cooked veggies
Sure, you could easily whip the veggies you planed to make for your family up after you get home from work, when the crockpot chicken is already just about done, but why not put them right in with it so they absorb some extra delicious flavour and finish at the same time? Take a better look at Cook n’ Share to see how they made classic tasting crockpot whole chicken and slow cooked veggies.
10. Slow cooker lemon garlic chicken
Are you still looking for a non-spicy but flavour packed way to season your crockpot chicken but nothing we’ve shown you has quite fully decided it for you yet? In that case, we’d absolutely encourage you to take a look at how Number 2 Pencil took just a few simple steps to flavour theirs with lemon and garlic for a traditionally delicious tastebud experience.
11. Crockpot honey garlic chicken and veggies
Are there actually several ideas on this list that you’re a big fan of but bits and pieces of them are from different recipes and you’re just not sure you can choose between them? Well, who ever said you have to choose? Instead, try this recipe from The Kitchen Magpie that gets you garlic and slow cooked veggies in one place for this honey garlic crockpot chicken and veggies dinner.
12. Slow cooker whole chicken with potatoes
Rather than making vegetables right in the crockpot with your chicken so that they take on all its delicious flavour, would you rather make your starches that way? Then we have a feeling you’ll really enjoy this idea from Pure Wow for putting your roasted potatoes right into the pot along with your whole chicken! The potatoes will taste just as good as your meat no matter what flavour or seasoning you add.
13. Citrus and herb crockpot whole chicken
Just in case you really loved the idea of making a chicken recipe that involves some kind of lemon or citrus flavour but you’ve been trying to steer away from garlic for any reason, here’s a fantastic alternative idea for your consideration! Check out how Raising Whasians made a tasty citrus and herb crockpot chicken that has hints of orange in there as well.
14. Crockpot whole chicken and rice
Just in case chicken and rice is actually your favourite meal but you don’t have a rice cooker or the time to cook the rice after because your family is very busy most week nights, here’s a fantastic idea from Julie’s Eats & Treats for making the rice right along with your crockpot chicken, just like you saw with the vegetables and potatoes earlier on the list!
15. Crockpot Cajun whole chicken
Of course, we couldn’t end our list without including at least one more recipe that has a little more of a flavour punch to it! That’s why we just had to make sure you see this delicious cajun chicken recipe from Coffee With Us 3 before we go. It’s a little more flavour than spice the way you see it here, but you can always get creative with how you measure things to change that up if you prefer.
