This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Vegetables and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, tender chicken cooks slowly over a medley of hearty vegetables, absorbing aromatic herbs and spices. Finished with a rich homemade gravy, it’s a complete one-pot meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal prep, maximum flavor
One-pot complete meal with chicken, vegetables, and gravy
Juicy chicken that stays tender
Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners
Great for meal prep or leftovers
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs
Family-friendly and satisfying
Comforting, hearty, and wholesome
Uses affordable, simple ingredients
Smells amazing while cooking

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken and Vegetables:

3 lb whole chicken, thawed
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 ribs celery, chopped
6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
24 oz baby potatoes, halved
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)

For the Gravy:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

directions

Pat chicken dry with paper towels, removing giblets and drying the cavity.
In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder with olive oil to form a paste. Rub all over chicken, including the cavity.
Place celery, carrots, onion, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add fresh herbs on top.
Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up on the veggie bed.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast.
Remove chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker. Strain drippings into a saucepan.
For the gravy, melt butter in the saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in the drippings. Simmer until thickened.
Serve the chicken sliced with veggies and spoonfuls of gravy on top.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: Approximately 692 kcal per serving

Variations

Swap Italian seasoning with poultry seasoning or herbes de Provence
Add parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to the vegetable mix
Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free gravy
Add a splash of chicken stock to the gravy for depth
Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill before serving for brightness
Crisp the chicken under the broiler for 3–5 minutes after cooking

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through. Freeze cooked chicken (without veggies) for up to 2 months. Gravy can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of stock or water if too thick.

FAQs

Can I cook the chicken on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours until fully cooked.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?

No, the chicken and vegetables release enough moisture during cooking.

Can I make the gravy without flour?

Yes, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Can I crisp the chicken skin?

Yes, place under the broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, but whole chicken gives the best flavor and presentation.

What size slow cooker do I need?

A 6-quart slow cooker works best for a 3 lb chicken.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes, season the chicken and chop vegetables ahead, then assemble and cook the next day.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and gravy separately for up to 2 months.

What should I serve with this meal?

It’s a complete dish, but crusty bread or a side salad make great additions.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Vegetables and Gravy is a comforting, wholesome meal made easy. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a silky gravy, it’s perfect for busy families or cozy dinners. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it a true kitchen favorite.