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This Crock Pot Whole BBQ Chicken is the perfect slow cooker meal for anyone who loves tender, flavorful chicken without the fuss. The combination of a smoky dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce infuses the meat with classic barbecue flavor that comes out perfectly juicy every time. You just pop everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinner time.
I first tried this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed an easy meal, and it quickly became a go to for family dinners. Everyone loves how the chicken is packed with flavor and so tender you barely need a knife.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken: a 4 pound roaster works perfectly bigger chickens are fine if they fit in your slow cooker and removing the giblets from inside is essential. Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better
- BBQ chicken dry rub: 1 to 2 packets depending on chicken size. Choose a rub with a balance of smoky spices and a little sweetness. Brandie recommends McCormick Grill Mates Applewood or Memphis Pit BBQ rub but feel free to use your favorite or try the homemade version shared in the FAQs
- Small onion: sliced thinly and placed at the bottom of the slow cooker for extra flavor and moisture. It is optional but adds a lovely subtle sweetness
- BBQ sauce: pick your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce to brush on at the end. This seals in moisture and adds that signature tangy sweet glaze
Instructions
- Savor the Preparations:
- Remove the whole chicken from its packaging carefully. Take out any giblets hidden inside the cavity. Set the bird on paper towels and thoroughly pat it dry on the outside to ensure the rub sticks well. Drying also helps the skin cook better in the slow cooker.
- Layer the Flavors:
- Slice the onion thinly and spread it evenly in the base of your slow cooker. This provides a natural bed to keep the chicken from sticking and adds aromatics as it cooks.
- Season Up the Bird:
- Generously sprinkle 1 to 2 packets of BBQ dry rub all over the surface of the chicken. Be sure to rub in the seasoning to coat every inch including the inside cavity. This step is crucial for building deep flavor.
- Place the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breast side down on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker. This orientation helps the breast meat stay juicy and tender during the long cooking time. No need to add any liquid.
- Slow Cook the Perfection:
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours. The slow low heat transforms the chicken into fall apart tender perfection that soaks up all the smoky spices.
- Sauce It Up:
- Once the cooking is done, pour half the bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Spread it evenly on all sides using a brush or spoon. Then cover the slow cooker again and let the chicken set on low for another 15 minutes. This helps the sauce meld into the skin.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully lift the very tender chicken from the slow cooker. You can serve it whole or pick the meat directly out of the slow cooker to keep those fragile pieces intact. Spoon some of the leftover BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
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This recipe’s magic lies in the dry rub. I love how it seasons the chicken inside and out making every bite rich with smoky sweet flavors. One afternoon my kids helped me apply the rub and we talked about an experience that made cooking fun and memorable. We all agreed it made the meal taste even better.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days. For longer storage freeze the chicken in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave to prevent drying out the meat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have a pre made BBQ rub mix garlic powder smoked paprika black pepper salt brown sugar and a pinch of mustard powder or chili flakes as a homemade alternative. Any sweet onion variety will do if you do not have a small one on hand and your favorite BBQ sauce can be swapped in for different flavor profiles from smoky to spicy or tangy.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ chicken shines served with simple sides like coleslaw cornbread baked beans or roasted vegetables. Leftover shredded chicken is also fantastic on sandwiches or tossed into salads for a quick meal the next day.
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This slow cooker BBQ chicken delivers tender flavorful meat with minimal effort. It is perfect for weeknights and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I make a homemade dry rub?
Yes, mixing garlic powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, black pepper, mustard powder, salt, and brown sugar creates a flavorful blend perfect for seasoning.
- → How should I remove the chicken for serving?
Handle carefully as the meat is very tender; using tongs or picking pieces directly in the slow cooker works well to avoid breaking the bird apart prematurely.
- → Is cooking on high heat an option?
Cooking on high is possible but may result in less tender meat; low and slow is recommended for best texture.
- → Can cut-up chicken pieces be used instead of a whole bird?
Yes, but ensure pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and even cooking.
- → Is it safe to use frozen chicken directly?
It's best to thaw chicken fully in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.