Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (Juicy & Tender – Carnivore Friendly Option Included)

📝 Description

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is one of the easiest ways to get perfectly tender, fall-apart meat with almost no effort. The low, gentle heat keeps the chicken moist while natural juices create a rich broth at the bottom. You can keep it fully carnivore with just salt and animal fats, or add extra seasonings if you’re not strict.

🥩 Ingredients (Basic Version)

  • 1 whole chicken (3–5 lb)

  • 1–2 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • 2–4 tbsp butter, ghee, or tallow

  • ¼–½ cup chicken broth or water (optional, helps prevent scorching)

Optional (Non-Strict Carnivore)

  • Black pepper

  • Garlic powder

  • Paprika

  • Dried herbs

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken
    Remove giblets if included. Pat chicken very dry with paper towels.

  2. Season
    Salt generously on all sides and inside the cavity. Add optional spices if using.

  3. Add fat
    Rub butter/ghee/tallow over the skin. You can also place some inside the cavity.

  4. Load slow cooker
    Place chicken breast-side up in the slow cooker. Add a small amount of broth or water at the bottom (optional but helpful).

  5. Cook

    • LOW: 6–8 hours

    • HIGH: 4–5 hours
      Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C and meat pulls easily from bone.

  6. Optional crisp skin finish
    Transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in oven 3–6 minutes to crisp the skin.

  7. Rest & carve
    Rest 10 minutes before cutting. Spoon juices from the pot over the meat.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with melted butter poured over pieces

  • Pair with fried eggs (carnivore plate)

  • Shred and mix with cream cheese for quick chicken bowls

  • Use drippings as a light broth

  • Chill leftovers for sliced cold chicken plates

🔄 Variations

Strict Carnivore

  • Only chicken + salt + animal fat

Buttery Rich Version

  • Add a full stick of butter during cooking

Creamy Finish

  • Stir heavy cream into the hot drippings to make a quick sauce

Bone Broth Base

  • Add 1 cup bone broth and reduce after cooking for a stronger gravy

Extra Fat Method

  • Place chicken on small rack or foil balls so it roasts instead of steams

❓ Related Questions

Do I need to flip the chicken?
No — leave it breast-side up for best texture.

Can I cook from frozen?
Not recommended — thaw first for safety and even cooking.

Why is my chicken falling apart?
That’s normal in slow cookers — meat becomes very tender.

Can I make stock after?
Yes — return bones to slow cooker with water and cook 8–12 hours.

🧮 Approx Nutrition (per serving, 1/6 of 4-lb chicken)

  • Calories: ~360 kcal

  • Protein: ~32 g

  • Fat: ~26 g

  • Carbs: 0 g

  • Sugar: 0 g

(Varies by size and added fat)

💭 Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is a high-reward, low-effort meal that works perfectly for carnivore and low-carb eating. It’s great for meal prep, produces its own natural juices, and gives you multiple meals from one cook. Keep it simple for strict carnivore — or customize the flavor if you’re more flexible.

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