Ella Walter
Cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot with potatoes is an easy and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. The slow cooker method ensures the chicken is tender and juicy, and the potatoes can be left unpeeled for added convenience. The chicken can be seasoned with a dry rub of spices and herbs, and the option of adding vegetables and gravy makes this a hearty one-pot meal. With minimal preparation, the crock pot does most of the work, making it an excellent option for busy cooks.
How to cook whole chicken in a crock pot with potatoes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot/slow cooker size | 6 quarts or larger |
| Chicken preparation | Pat dry, remove giblets, rub with butter, olive oil, and seasonings |
| Chicken size | 4-7 pounds |
| Potato preparation | Slice into quarters, drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper |
| Additional vegetables | Onion, carrots, garlic, celery |
| Seasonings | Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning |
| Cooking time | 5-10 hours depending on temperature and size of chicken |
| Temperature | Low or high |
| Internal temperature | 165° on a meat thermometer |
| Serving suggestions | Gravy, salad, bread |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the chicken
Some people like to tie the legs of the chicken together with cooking twine before cooking, but this is not necessary. If you want a crispy skin, you can place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking.
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Preparing the potatoes
Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to season them. Drizzle oil, sea salt, and pepper over the potatoes, and give them a good stir to make sure they're all coated. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, or dried thyme to take the flavour up a notch.
After seasoning, it's time to layer the potatoes into your crockpot. You can either place them in a single layer on the bottom of the pot or create a nest for the chicken to rest on, as suggested by some cooks. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavours from the potatoes.
If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even make a cheese sauce to pour over the potatoes. Just be sure to add the sauce towards the end of the cooking process so it doesn't burn.
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$5.2 $6.76
Cooking the chicken and potatoes
Cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot with potatoes is an easy and convenient way to prepare a tasty and juicy meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious results:
Preparing the Chicken:
First, take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This allows it to come closer to room temperature, which can help ensure more even cooking. Remove any giblets or innards from the cavity of the chicken, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels, including the inside cavity.
Seasoning the Chicken:
You can choose to marinate the chicken or use a dry rub for seasoning. A simple dry rub can be made by combining Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir in olive oil to create a paste-like consistency. You can also add softened butter to the seasoning mix. Loosen the skin of the chicken, especially around the breasts, and rub the seasoning paste under the skin and all over the chicken. For an extra crispy skin, you can place the chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes after it's done cooking in the crock pot.
Preparing the Potatoes and Vegetables:
Slice your potatoes into quarters or 2-inch pieces. You can peel them beforehand or leave the peel on, whichever you prefer. Drizzle oil, salt, and pepper over the potatoes and stir to coat them evenly. You can also add other vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the crock pot. Layer the potatoes and vegetables on the bottom of the crock pot, creating a bed for the chicken to rest on.
Cooking:
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the bed of potatoes and vegetables. If desired, you can pour in some wine or broth for added flavour and moisture. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the cooker to LOW. A 4-pound chicken will typically take about 5-8 hours on LOW, but you can cook it for up to 10 hours, depending on your desired level of doneness. Alternatively, you can cook it on HIGH for about 5-6 hours. The chicken is done when the drumsticks start to separate from the breasts and the juices run clear. For a more precise measurement, use a meat thermometer; the thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F when fully cooked.
Serving:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set it aside on a cutting board, tented with foil. If desired, you can make a gravy using the drippings in the crock pot. Simply strain the liquid and whisk in butter and flour, gradually adding more drippings until you reach your desired consistency. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken with the potatoes and vegetables, along with the gravy on the side. Enjoy!
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Making gravy
If you are using a frozen chicken, the gravy may be a little watery. To thicken it, whisk together three tablespoons of cornstarch with three tablespoons of water and pour the mixture into the crock-pot, turning the heat to high.
If you want to make mushroom gravy, you can add mushrooms directly to the crock-pot. For fall-apart mushrooms, add them at the beginning of the cooking process; for firmer mushrooms, add them halfway through.
If you want to add a sour cream flavour to your gravy, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream at the end of cooking. To enhance the flavour further, add two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked whole chicken with potatoes is a hearty and convenient one-pot meal that can be served in several ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Complete Meal
The slow-cooked whole chicken with potatoes can be a meal in itself. Simply slice the chicken and serve it alongside the potatoes and vegetables cooked in the crockpot. If you've prepared gravy, pour it over the chicken and potatoes for added flavour and moisture. You can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of colour.
With a Side Salad
To complement the heartiness of the dish, consider serving it with a fresh green side salad. Dress the salad with your favourite salad dressing to add a tangy or herby note to your meal.
With Bread
Bread is another great side to soak up all the delicious gravy. Any type of bread, from crusty sourdough to soft dinner rolls, will do the trick.
With Roasted Vegetables
If you want to round out the meal with additional vegetables, consider serving the chicken and potatoes with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or oven-roasted squash.
With Rice or Pasta
For a more filling option, serve the chicken and potatoes with a side of rice or pasta. This can help stretch the meal and accommodate unexpected guests or larger appetites.
As a Filling for Sandwiches, Enchiladas, or Pasta Dishes
You can also use the slow-cooked chicken as a versatile protein filling. Shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches, enchiladas, or pasta dishes. This is a great way to give leftover chicken new life and create a quick and easy meal.
Feel free to get creative with your sides and accompaniments, and don't be afraid to adapt the dish to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size of the chicken. A four-pound chicken can take 5-6 hours on HIGH, while a larger chicken can take 8-10 hours on LOW.
Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and remove giblets or innards from the cavity. You can tie the legs together with cooking twine, but it's not necessary.
You can serve the chicken and potatoes with a side of gravy made from the drippings. A fresh green salad with your favorite dressing is also a good option.
