This is so easy and one of those great meals that you can stretch out for several days. Just toss a whole chicken into the crock pot, season as desired, and let it go. For a 3.5-4.5 pound chicken, it should cook on low for somewhere between 4 and 8 hours. I would think you could just start it in the morning and let it do its thang. You could throw some celery, onions, and carrots into the crock pot and then set the chicken on top of them so that you'll have veggies and they'll be really flavorful, or you can leave those out and serve it with pretty much anything you have on hand. Some ideas for seasoning: seasoned salt (such as Lawry's) and pepper; lemon pepper seasoning; go for more of a Cajun/spicy vibe with some Tony's; or just plain old salt and pepper...you really can't go wrong. If you want it to have a crispy skin, then place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and put it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. I personally don't do that because the whole point is that it's really easy and that just adds an extra step!
And...here's my favorite thing about using a whole chicken: After you've eaten it for a meal, pick all the rest of the meat off of the bones and use it for sandwiches, chicken salad (I use just white meat when I make mine), tacos, quesadillas, or soup the next day. Leave the bones, skin, whatever's left in the crock pot. Add some carrots, onions, and celery (if they aren't already in there), a couple bay leaves, some thyme and oregano, and fill it up with water. Let it simmer on low all night (like 8-12 hours) and you'll have the best chicken broth ever. Strain it and pour into jars or freezer bags (once it's cool) and you'll have it for recipes in the future.
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