Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Recipe Ingredients 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds), giblets removed and patted dry 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt) 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3–4 cloves garlic, minced) Directions Prepare the chicken: Remove the giblets from the cavity if they’re still inside. Rinse the chicken under cool water if you like, then pat it very dry with paper towels, inside and out. A dry bird browns better, even in the slow cooker.