Name: Garlic Roasted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Ingredients: 5 lb Whole chicken (Cleaned and patted dry); 2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper; 5 cloves Garlic (Mashed smooth into a paste); 1 tsp Paprika; 0.25 lb Butter (Sliced (room temperature or softened for easy slicing)); 0.5 cup Canned chicken broth

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Creamy, juicy, and full of garlic-forward comfort — this Garlic Roasted Chicken is the kind of meal that turns a regular weeknight into a cozy celebration. With just a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll end up with tender meat, a savory garlic-butter sauce, and a roasted aroma that fills the whole house. Fun fact: slow-roasting a whole bird in a crock pot concentrates the garlic flavor without drying the meat, giving you depth similar to an oven roast but with less babysitting.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, fast to prep, and lovely for family dinners. It’s an everyday winner that doesn’t feel ordinary. If you’re curious how it compares to other favorites, you might enjoy my take on similar slow-cooked classics like this crock pot garlic roasted chicken which shares the same cozy spirit but a slightly different spice profile. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into a recipe that’s approachable and reliably delicious.

What is Garlic Roasted Chicken?

What exactly is Garlic Roasted Chicken — and why does the name make your mouth water? Imagine a whole bird bathed in garlic, butter, and warming spices, slow-cooked until the juices run clear and the meat practically falls off the bone. Why the “roasted” in the name when it’s made in a crock pot? Because the flavors mimic a classic roast: browned butter, roasted garlic aroma, and rich pan-style sauce. Who named it? Maybe someone who loved garlic so much they declared everything “roasted” for drama. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Curious yet? Give it a try and you’ll understand the hype.

Why You’ll Love This

There are plenty of reasons this Garlic Roasted Chicken becomes an instant favorite:

Comforting, garlic-forward highlight: The mashed garlic and butter create a luscious, aromatic sauce that coats the chicken and perks up every bite.
Cost-saving and practical: A whole chicken is budget-friendly and feeds a family, so you get more servings for less money compared to individual cuts.
Flavor-packed toppings and finishing: Butter slices melt into the cavity and over the skin, while broth in the pot deepens the pan sauce for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice.

If you enjoy this flavor profile, try pairing it with a sweeter counterpoint like the baked garlic brown sugar chicken on the blog for a contrasting dinner idea. Make this at home — it’s simple, economical, and deeply satisfying.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Preparation takes just minutes: a quick rinse, seasoning, a smear of garlic paste, and a few butter slices — then low-and-slow cooking for fall-off-the-bone results. The texture is tender with a buttery, garlic-infused finish and a savory broth for serving. Prep time about 15–20 minutes. Cook time 6–8 hours on LOW.

Ingredients

5 lb whole chicken, cleaned and patted dry
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
5 cloves of garlic, mashed smooth into a paste
1 tsp paprika
1/4 lb butter, sliced (room temperature or softened for easy slicing)
1/2 cup canned chicken broth

Directions

Clean the chicken and pat it dry.
Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Stuff the cavity with half of the garlic paste.
Arrange the butter slices over and inside the chicken.
Pour broth around the chicken in the crock pot.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, resisting the temptation to lift the lid.
Serve with the garlic-infused butter sauce from the pot.

Garlic Roasted Chicken

What to Serve With

Pair this garlic roasted chicken with sides that balance its rich, buttery profile:

Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up the garlic sauce
Roasted or steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for brightness
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Crusty bread for mopping up the pan juices
A light, fruity white wine or sparkling water with lemon for drinks

Mix and match sides to create a well-rounded meal that suits family tastes and seasonal produce.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitute and adjust: If you’re short on fresh garlic, use 1½ teaspoons of good-quality minced garlic. Swap chicken broth for low-sodium vegetable broth for a lighter finish.
Flavor boost: Brown the butter lightly in a pan first for a nutty, deeper flavor before adding it to the cavity and top of the bird.
Timing tip: Cook on LOW for the best texture; HIGH can dry the outer meat. If short on time, 4–5 hours on HIGH can work, but watch closely.
Avoid lifting the lid: Every time you lift the lid you lose heat and add cooking time, so trust the slow cooker’s process.
Browning option: If you prefer browned skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil 3–5 minutes just before serving, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Also, for a sweeter contrast alongside this savory roast, consider trying baked garlic brown sugar chicken as a complementary recipe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Remove meat from bones, place in an airtight container or freezer bag with some sauce, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F covered with foil until warmed through, or reheat portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying. Microwaving works for quick meals but may change texture slightly.

FAQs

What if my slow cooker is smaller than the bird?
If the chicken is too large, you can spatchcock it (remove backbone and flatten) or use a smaller bird. Ensure there’s room for air to circulate and the lid to close.

Can I use frozen garlic paste instead of fresh cloves?
Yes. Frozen garlic or jarred minced garlic works — use about 1½ teaspoons in place of each fresh clove if concentrated.

Is it safe to cook a whole chicken in a crock pot for 6–8 hours?
Yes. Cooking on LOW for 6–8 hours is safe and will bring the internal temperature to a safe level (165°F/74°C). Use a thermometer to confirm doneness in the thickest part of the thigh.

How do I get crispier skin?
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and broil it in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the skin crisps. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just confirm that your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Garlic Roasted Chicken is a comforting, easy-to-make classic that delivers big garlic flavor with minimal hands-on time — perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and versatile enough to pair with many sides. If you love bold garlic flavors and want another inspiration for a garlic-forward roast, check out Simple 40 Cloves of Garlic Roasted Chicken – foodiecrush for a dramatic, garlic-packed variation to try another day. Give this recipe a go, share it with friends or family, and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of a home-cooked whole chicken.