Crock Pot Whole BBQ Chicken (Printer-Friendly)

Tender whole chicken slow-cooked with smoky BBQ rub and sauce for rich, juicy flavor.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 4-pound whole roaster chicken, giblets removed

→ Seasonings

02 - 1-2 packets BBQ chicken dry rub

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small onion, sliced

→ Sauces

04 - 1 bottle BBQ sauce of choice

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Remove the whole chicken from packaging, discard any giblets from the cavity, and pat the exterior dry using paper towels.
02 - Sprinkle the BBQ dry rub evenly over the outside and inside of the chicken, massaging it into the skin for thorough coverage.
03 - Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker as a flavor base.
04 - Position the chicken breast-side down on top of the onions inside the slow cooker; no additional liquids are necessary.
05 - Cover and cook on the low setting for approximately 8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Remove the lid, brush half the bottle of BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, cover again, and let it rest on low for 15 minutes to set the glaze.
07 - Serve the chicken warm, accompanied by the remaining BBQ sauce as a dipping option.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part without touching bone for safety.
02 - If using a larger bird, adjust cooking time accordingly and verify doneness with a thermometer.
03 - For best results, thaw chicken completely before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
04 - Avoid rinsing raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.