This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is an easy, comforting dinner that requires very little preparation. A whole chicken is rubbed with butter and savory onion soup mix, then slow-cooked until tender and juicy. The flavorful juices left in the slow cooker can be spooned over the chicken and your favorite side dishes for an effortless homemade meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 4–5 pounds
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If the chicken contains giblets, remove them from the cavity.
- Season: Place the chicken breast-side up in a 6-quart slow cooker. Rub the softened butter evenly over the outside of the chicken. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken and gently rub it into the skin, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and spoon some of the flavorful cooking juices over the meat before serving. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dish.
