Slow Cooker Christmas Chicken {Best Holiday Recipe!} (2024)

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I absolutely love holiday meals, and the traditions that revolve around them for our family.

On Christmas, I typically make a big batch of homemade cinnamon rolls and we have a huge breakfast after opening gifts in the morning: sausage, eggs, and orange juice are also staples (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!).

We so enjoy sitting down for that meal together before continuing the rest of the day! But typically, while I prepare and plan for our big breakfast tradition, Christmas dinner tends to be an afterthought.

Until now!

This year, I’m sharing a winner with you that’s so easy to make, and perfect for busy holidays! This delicious roast Christmas chicken recipe is made right in your crockpot, so you don’t have to worry about it all day.

With a perfect balance of fresh herbs, zesty citrus, and a hint of sweetness, it’s sure to become a family favorite for special occasions.

Slow Cooker for the Win

Slow cookers (a.k.a. crockpots) are one of my favorite kitchen gadgets for several reasons.

Convenience — If you’re a busy mom like me, finding the best ways to get dinner on the table quickly and easily is important! With slow cooker recipes I can just toss all the ingredients in, set the temperature, and leave it to cook without constant supervision. So useful!

Tender and Juicy Results — Slow cooking allows chicken to cook gently and slowly over an extended period. This low and slow cooking process results in incredibly tender and juicy chicken — the meat practically falls off the bone!

Enhanced Flavor — Slow cooking allows the flavors of all the ingredients to meld and intensify. When using a variety of herbs, spices, and liquids, the meat absorbs these flavors, creating a rich and well-seasoned dish.

Time Efficiency — While it might take a long time to cook, the actual hands-on preparation time is usually minimal effort.

Versatility — Slow cookers can handle so many cooking tasks! From soups and stews to roasts and chicken dishes, they’re adaptable to a multitude of recipes.

Christmas Chicken Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to throw this Christmas roast chicken together:

• 4-5 lb whole chicken
• 1.5 lb bag of baby yellow potatoes (cut in half)
• 1 1/2 cup of baby carrots
• 1 yellow onion (chopped into wedges)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 brown sugar
• 1 tap orange zest
• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsps minced garlic
• 6 tbsp butter (cut into pats)
• 1 orange cut into 8 slices or 3-4 mandarin oranges cut into 8 slices

Room Temperature Chicken?

In the morning, you may consider pulling your chicken out of the fridge for just a little bit before preparing your crock pot. Bringing chicken to room temperature before cooking is a practice that many chefs recommend, and it is generally considered good culinary practice. But, it’s worth noting that there is some debate on this topic within the culinary community!

Bringing chicken to room temperature before cooking is often recommended because it allows for more even cooking, and better flavor and texture. Seasonings are also likely to be more effective when applied to chicken at room temperature.

However, there are some considerations, specifically food safety. If chicken is left at room temperature for too long, there is an increased risk for bacterial growth.

I like to set mine out for just 20-30 minutes as I’m prepping the rest of the ingredients.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Christmas Chicken

Begin by preparing the vegetables – baby yellow potatoes, baby carrots, chopped onions, and fresh cranberries – and placing them in an 8-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken broth.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, poultry seasoning, orange zest, parsley, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Dry the chicken off with a paper towel, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the top of the chicken.

Place the chicken on the vegetable bed and top with butter and orange slices.

Cook on low for 8-9 hours, stirring veggies once or twice during cooking.

Once cooked, take the chicken out, slice and serve with the veggies and your favorite side (mashed potatoes, stuffing, and rolls are favorites of ours!).

Christmas Chicken Tips

• Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Experiment with different types of carrots or use frozen veggies for convenience!
• If you’re short on time, cook on high for 6 hours instead.
• Want that golden brown finish? Place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and briefly broil.

Slow Cooker Christmas Chicken

Yield: Serves 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

This Crockpot Christmas Chicken is a game-changer! Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker for a stress-free dinner on Christmas Day.

Ingredients

• 4-5 lb whole young chicken
• 1.5 lb bag of baby yellow potatoes (cut in half)
• 1 1/2 cup of baby carrots
• 1 yellow onion (chopped into wedges)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 brown sugar
• 1 tap orange zest
• 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp salt and pepper
• 2 tbsps minced garlic
• 6 tbsp butter (cut into pats)
• 1 orange cut into 8 slices or 3-4 mandarin oranges cut into 8 slices

Instructions

1. Add the chopped potatoes, onions, baby carrots, cranberries and the chicken broth to the 8 quart slow cooker.

2. Put all the seasonings into a small bowl and mix together. Dry the chicken off with a paper towel and rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken.

3. Place the chicken on top of the veggies and put the pads of butter all around the tops of the veggies around the chicken.

4. Add the orange slices all around and even some on the chicken if you’d like.

5. Cook on low for 8-9 hours. Stir the veggies once or twice during the timeframe. Take the chicken out once cooked and slice to your liking and serve with the veggies and your favorite side.

Christmas Chicken FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for this recipe?

Of course! While the whole chicken provides a stunning dinner table centerpiece, you can substitute it with chicken breasts for a quicker option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

Q2: Is it necessary to use a slow cooker, or can I roast the chicken in the oven?

While the slow cooker provides a convenient and foolproof method, you can adapt this recipe for a roasting pan in the oven. Follow the same steps, adjusting the temperature and cooking time for a classic, juicy roast chicken experience.

Q3: How do I know when the chicken is cooked to perfection?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.

Q4: Can I use different herbs in the herb mixture?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley all work well to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors.

Q5: What side dishes do you recommend pairing with this Christmas chicken?

Classic side dishes like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and cranberry sauce complement the flavors perfectly. Get creative and tailor the sides to your family’s preferences.

A Festive Feast for the Whole Family

In just a few easy steps, you’ve created a masterpiece that’s bound to earn a five-star rating at your Christmas table. So, gather your loved ones, savor the moment, and make this Christmas dinner a special occasion to remember with the best-roasted chicken they’ve ever tasted.

Cheers to a delicious holiday season!

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