Whole Crock Pot Chicken: The Ultimate One-Dish Meal
Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones, and this Whole Crock Pot Chicken is a prime example of just that. Perfect for those busy days when you need a wholesome, satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of a long workday, this dish requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor. Inspired by the rush of getting out the door while still wanting to enjoy a hearty, homemade dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken with savory mushrooms, a blend of aromatic herbs, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
Whether you are a busy professional or a parent on-the-go, this is a fantastic way to put a whole chicken to work without the fuss. And don’t forget the delicious stock it produces — perfect for a future batch of homemade chicken noodle soup!
Recipe Information
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Keyword Tags: Whole Chicken, Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Kid Friendly, Easy, Savory, Inexpensive, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 1 | Frozen or thawed |
| Cremini mushrooms | 1 cup | Sliced |
| Button mushrooms | 1 cup | Sliced |
| Onion | 1 medium | Quartered |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Dried rosemary | 1/2 teaspoon | Fresh rosemary also works |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | To taste |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | To taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Use unsalted for better control over seasoning |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | Adds a touch of sweetness |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 635.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 43.7g |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5g |
| Cholesterol | 183.3mg |
| Sodium | 1108.9mg |
| Carbohydrates | 19.9g |
| Fiber | 1.9g |
| Sugar | 11.5g |
| Protein | 41.6g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crock Pot
Start by placing the whole chicken into the crock pot. Add the sliced cremini and button mushrooms around the chicken. The mushrooms will add flavor and moisture as they cook, melding beautifully with the chicken. -
Create the Herb Paste
In a small food processor (I use a mini one for this), combine the quartered onion, minced garlic cloves, dried rosemary, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pulse until the ingredients form a smooth paste. The herbs and spices will blend together to create a fragrant base for the chicken. -
Add the Butter and Honey
Once your herb mixture is ready, add the butter and honey. Pulse again until the paste is well mixed. This combination of savory and sweet will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor. -
Apply the Paste
Pour the herb and butter paste over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. The paste will melt into the chicken as it cooks, creating a rich, flavorful broth. -
Set the Crock Pot
Cover the crock pot with the lid, ensuring it is sealed tightly. Set your crock pot to low heat and let it cook for 10 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high, but low and slow is always the best method for tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. -
Serve and Enjoy
After 10 hours, your chicken will be perfectly cooked — so tender that it will practically fall apart when you remove it from the crock pot. Be gentle when lifting it out; the chicken is incredibly delicate! Serve the chicken alongside the cooked mushrooms and drizzle with the flavorful broth. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a side salad. -
Bonus: The stock left in the crock pot makes an excellent base for soups! Use it for a comforting chicken noodle soup or any recipe that calls for chicken broth.
Pro Tips:
-
Frozen Chicken Works Too: This recipe works even with a frozen chicken, making it a great go-to for busy nights when you forgot to thaw your meat. Just pop it straight into the crock pot, and let it cook slowly until done.
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Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, or lemon zest to suit your personal taste.
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Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken (though it’s unlikely!), shred it and use it in sandwiches, tacos, or salads the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Whole Crock Pot Chicken is a one-pot wonder that delivers on flavor and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s an easy, inexpensive, and nourishing meal that checks all the boxes. The slow cooking process makes the chicken irresistibly tender, while the mushrooms and savory broth add richness and depth. Plus, the leftovers can easily be repurposed for a new meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a keeper in your busy-weeknight repertoire.
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is absolutely incredible! The chicken comes out so tender, and the broth is full of flavor. I also love how easy it is to prepare. Definitely adding this to my regular meal rotation!”
Enjoy this delightful and easy whole chicken recipe from Love With Recipes, your go-to destination for delicious meals that bring families together!
