What to do with whole chickens?

Michelle asked:

I bought several of the whole fryer chickens on sale at Albertson’s last week, and I need some help with them! Can I freeze them in the packaging they came in? What is the easiest way to cook them?

When I buy whole chickens, I usually throw them in the freezer without doing anything.  Not really sure if that’s proper, but it’s what I do!  And as for cooking, well, I usually throw it in a pot and cook it on top of the stove for an hour or two, then shred and use for enchiladas, barbecue chicken sandwiches, etc.

So yeah.  We’re real exciting when it comes to whole chickens.  What do you do when you’re able to stock up on whole chickens for cheap?  Do you do something special to freeze or thaw?  What’s your favorite thing to make?