There’s something incredibly comforting about a whole chicken slow-cooked alongside fresh vegetables, filling your home with tantalizing aromas and promising a hearty, wholesome meal. Using a crock pot to prepare this classic dinner makes the process effortless, turning even busy weeknights into a chance to enjoy a delicious, tender, and juicy chicken with perfectly cooked veggies.
Not only does the slow cooker method lock in natural flavors and moisture, but it also allows you to walk away and focus on your day while the meal cooks itself.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to slow cooking, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. The simplicity of layering vegetables beneath the chicken ensures the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a one-pot dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ready to dive into a foolproof crock pot recipe for whole chicken and vegetables? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crock pot whole chicken and vegetables recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Hands-off cooking: Simply prep and set your crock pot to do the rest.
- Incredible flavor: Slow cooking infuses the chicken and veggies with rich, deep flavors.
- Healthy and balanced: Combines lean protein with a variety of nutrient-packed vegetables.
- Minimal cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
- Family-friendly: A comforting meal that everyone will enjoy, perfect for any occasion.
Plus, you can easily customize the vegetables and seasonings to match your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a versatile recipe to keep in your collection.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken (3-4 pounds) | 1 | Fresh or thawed |
| Carrots | 4-5 medium | Cut into large chunks |
| Potatoes | 4 medium | Yukon Gold or red, quartered |
| Onion | 1 large | Sliced thickly |
| Celery stalks | 3 | Chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 4 | Minced or whole for more subtle flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For rubbing the chicken |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons | To taste |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | Or fresh thyme sprigs |
| Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon | Or fresh rosemary sprigs |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low sodium recommended |
| Optional: Lemon | 1 | Cut into quarters, for stuffing |
Equipment
- Crock pot/slow cooker – At least 6-quart size for whole chicken
- Sharp knife – For prepping vegetables and trimming chicken
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl – To toss vegetables with seasoning
- Tongs – For handling the chicken
- Meat thermometer – To check doneness
- Basting brush (optional) – For olive oil application
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Wash, peel, and cut the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion into large chunks. Place them in a mixing bowl and toss with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Layer the vegetables in the crock pot. Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base and keeps the chicken elevated.
- Prepare the chicken. Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. If you like, stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and a few garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Position the chicken breast-side up over the vegetables in the crock pot.
- Add the chicken broth. Pour the chicken broth around the vegetables, careful not to wash off the seasoning from the chicken.
- Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Optional crisping step. If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve alongside the tender vegetables.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, season your vegetables just like your chicken to create a harmonious dish.”
Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or substitute with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts depending on seasonality and preference.
Herb variations: Try fresh sage, oregano, or tarragon for a different herbal profile. You can also add a bay leaf to the broth for subtle depth.
Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the rub if you like a bit of heat.
Make it a one-pot meal: Add pearl onions or mushrooms to the vegetable mix for extra flavor and texture.
Leftovers: Use leftover chicken in sandwiches, salads, or pair with a quick side like our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 70% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chicken and vegetable meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a fresh crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed green beans or a side of sautéed spinach.
Looking for complementary recipes? Try adding a side like our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for plant-based options or a fresh flatbread such as our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to round out the meal.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole chicken with vegetables in a crock pot is the epitome of easy, comforting home cooking. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken infused with herbs and surrounded by perfectly cooked vegetables.
This recipe is perfect for busy families, novice cooks, or anyone wanting a wholesome meal without the fuss.
With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious dinner that feels like a special occasion any night of the week. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and herbs to keep this recipe fresh and exciting.
For more delicious ideas and cooking inspiration, check out our other favorites like Pasta with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe for Easy Dinner.
📖 Recipe Card: Crock Pot Whole Chicken and Vegetables
Description: A simple and flavorful slow-cooked whole chicken with hearty vegetables. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken and vegetables, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 45g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 20g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Crock Pot Whole Chicken and Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and flavorful slow-cooked whole chicken with hearty vegetables. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)”, “4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks”, “3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks”, “1 large onion, quartered”, “4 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 stalks celery, chopped”, “1 cup chicken broth”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 tsp dried thyme”, “1 tsp dried rosemary”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery in the bottom of the crock pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour chicken broth around the chicken.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove chicken and vegetables, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450”, “proteinContent”: “45g”, “fatContent”: “20g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20g”}}
