Is it safe to cook whole poultry in a crockpot?

[Jaime in Winnipeg]

I bought a crockpot today. My mother-in-law gave me a small 2.5 quart one several months ago, and I used it once, but it wasn't big enough for my needs. So, I bought a big one today. It's a Betty Crocker Crockpot, and I don't know if that's good or bad, but it seemed like a good deal. Anyway, in the "Tips for Slow Cooking" area, it says "Whole poutry, such as chicken and Cornish hens, should not be cooked in slow cookers because safe cooking temperatures cannot be reached quickly enough near the bone." I've never heard this before - is it true? Did I just get a bad "brand"?

[bungalowten]

I have cooked whole chickens in my crockpot many times. As long as you use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the chicken (don't let the thermometer touch the bone), and cook to the temp recommended on the termometer or by a cookbook, I think you will be okay.

[* Pamela *]

Hi Jaime!

I have made whole chickens in my crockpot numerous times and I have not had a problem, but then again I have heard that you should never put frozen meat into a crockpot and I do that too

Nice to see you on the boards!