1. Begin by preparing the whole chicken. Remove any giblets from the cavity and rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both on the inside and outside. Make sure to season the cavity as well.
3. Place a layer of lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and tomato halves at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a fragrant bed for the chicken.
4. Carefully place the seasoned whole chicken on top of the lemon, rosemary, and tomato bed in the slow cooker.
5. Pour melted butter over chicken. Add optional seasonings to chicken here.
6. Arrange the remaining lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and tomato halves around the chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model and the size of the chicken, so it’s best to check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving dish. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
Serve the succulent Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with the aromatic lemon slices, rosemary, and tomatoes from the slow cooker as a delightful garnish. You can also strain the cooking liquid and use it as a flavorful gravy or drizzle it over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
