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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken thighs deliver comfort and convenience in one hearty dish. Juicy meat seasoned with herbs falls off the bone, promising a delightful meal with minimal kitchen effort you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken thighs by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels, ensuring a perfect surface for seasoning.
  2. Create a robust flavor blend by generously coating both sides of the chicken with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, developing a rich golden crust by searing each chicken thigh for approximately 2 minutes per side.
  4. Arrange a bed of thinly sliced onions and finely minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an aromatic foundation.
  5. Carefully position the seared chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer.
  6. Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl, creating a savory liquid mixture.
  7. Gently pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the slow cooker.
  8. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours.
  9. For those desiring a crispy exterior, transfer the cooked chicken to a broiler-safe dish and crisp the skin for 3-5 minutes.
  10. Present the succulent chicken alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Patting chicken dry ensures better browning and helps seasonings stick, creating a more flavorful crust.
  • Searing chicken before slow cooking develops a deep, rich caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the umami depth.
  • If watching sodium intake, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, which keeps the dish heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg