If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s incredibly simple to make, you’ll absolutely love these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs. This dish packs unbelievably succulent chicken with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. You get tender, juicy meat, golden skin, and a savory sauce with almost no effort—making it a go-to for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, or meal prep. Trust me, once you try Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, it’ll earn a permanent place in your favorite recipes collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Crock Pot Chicken Thighs is just how unfussy the ingredient list is. Every element plays a role: from building up bold, herby flavors to creating that gorgeous, golden color and tender texture. Simple pantry staples truly come together for something extraordinary here.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These are juicy and flavorful with crispy skin—don’t skimp here if you can help it!
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, silky base and helps crisp up the chicken skin beautifully when searing.
- Salt: Brings out all the savory flavors of the chicken and spices.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle background heat and subtle kick to balance the dish.
- Garlic powder: Layers in mellow, earthy garlic flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
- Onion powder: Offers sweetness and depth, rounding out the spice mix.
- Smoked paprika: The secret to that gorgeous color and hint of smoky warmth—instantly elevates the flavor.
- Dried thyme: Infuses every bite with a subtle herbal aroma, making things taste distinctly home-cooked.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens and enriches the chicken while providing the base for a luscious sauce.
- Cornstarch (optional): For those who love extra sauce, this helps thicken the juices to a perfect gravy.
- Cold water (optional): Whisked with cornstarch, it ensures your sauce is lump-free and glossy.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is your key to truly crispy, beautiful skin after searing. Dry chicken browns up so much better, so give them a little extra attention here!
Step 2: Whip Up the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, stir together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. This aromatic mixture is what makes Crock Pot Chicken Thighs so mouthwateringly flavorful.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Generously rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs. Really get it into all the nooks and crannies, and don’t forget the underside for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Sear for Golden Skin
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and crisp. This quick step packs not only color, but irresistible flavor into your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs.
Step 5: Arrange in the Crock Pot
Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to your slow cooker, skin-side up. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom, being careful not to splash and soften the crisped skin. This keeps things moist while letting the top stay golden.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is deliciously tender and cooked all the way through. Your kitchen will smell amazing while these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs practically cook themselves.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like luscious, gravy-style sauce, remove the chicken and whisk together the cornstarch and cold water. Stir this slurry into the liquid in your slow cooker and let it thicken on high for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, either pour it right over the chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme, or even a dash of extra smoked paprika, does wonders for presentation and adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs. Lemon wedges are also lovely for a bright finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your savory chicken thighs with fluffy mashed potatoes, fragrant rice, creamy polenta, or even roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that tasty sauce, making this dish a total comfort classic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs atop a bed of garlicky sautéed greens, or shred the chicken to tuck into tacos or sandwiches. You can even serve it family-style over noodles for a rustic, homey feel that feels like a hug on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crock Pot Chicken Thighs cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to four days, and the flavors might even get a bit richer overnight!
Freezing
To freeze, transfer cooled chicken (and some sauce, if you like) to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air and label with the date, then stash away for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a little extra broth to maintain juiciness and flavor. Don’t rush—low and slow is best to keep those Crock Pot Chicken Thighs tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs cook a bit quicker and are still very juicy. Just shave about 30 minutes off the cook time and remember, you’ll miss out on that crispy skin, but the flavors will all still shine.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can add heartier vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, or sliced onions in the bottom of the Crock Pot. They’ll soak up delicious flavors and turn this into a complete, one-pot meal.
How do I make the chicken skin extra crispy?
For the crispiest skin, do a quick broil under your oven’s broiler after slow cooking. Just pop the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until crisped to perfection.
Can I double the recipe?
If your slow cooker is large enough, doubling Crock Pot Chicken Thighs is totally doable! Just make sure the meat is arranged in a single layer (even if overlapping a bit) for even cooking, and use a little extra seasoning and broth as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are naturally gluten-free! Just double-check labels on your broth and any added ingredients, especially if you or loved ones are sensitive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that overdelivers every single time, it’s these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs. They’re easy, impossibly tasty, and fit for a casual dinner or a cozy get-together with loved ones. I hope you give them a try soon—your kitchen (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and tender Crock Pot Chicken Thighs cooked to perfection with a blend of savory seasonings. This easy slow-cooker recipe yields juicy chicken thighs with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Others:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasoning on the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden.
- Crock Pot: Transfer chicken to crock pot, add broth, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken (Optional): If desired, thicken juices with cornstarch and water mixture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can remove the skin for a lower-fat option.
- Enhance flavor by adding onions or garlic to the crock pot.
- Bone-in thighs recommended for juicier results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
