The Best Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot

I've tried a ridiculous amount of crock pot recipes, and this is by far the best (and easiest) way to slow cook a whole chicken until it is falling-off-the bone delicious. And if you have a well-stocked spice cabinet you'll hardly have to buy anything to make this dish.

2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (red) pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion
1 large chicken

Combine the dried spices in a small bowl.

Loosely chop the onion and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Remove any giblets from the chicken and then rub the spice mixture all over. You can even put some of the spices inside the cavity and under the skin covering the breasts.

Put prepared chicken on top of the onions in the slow cooker, cover it, and turn it on to high. There is no need to add any liquid.

Cook for 4 - 5 hours (for a 3 or 4 pound chicken) or until the chicken is falling off the bone.

Suggestion: Make homemade stock with the leftover bones.

Comments:
- I left it on low for about 8-8.5 hours and it turned out great! My chicken was a little over 6 lbs.

From: 100 Days of Real Food