This Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe makes tender and juicy chicken with hardly any effort! Just throw in some spices and veggies, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? I often serve it with rice or mashed potatoes, and my family can’t get enough! It’s comfort food made simple! 🍗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless thighs can work too, but the cooking time may be shorter.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is a fine substitute. Feel free to mix in some cayenne for a little heat!
Chicken Broth: For a richer taste, use low-sodium chicken broth. If you need a low-sodium option, just mix water with herbs for flavor. I’ve even tossed in a splash of white wine occasionally for an extra kick.
Olive Oil: This adds richness. If you prefer, you can use melted butter or even avocado oil.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs?
To get tender, juicy chicken thighs, monitoring your cooking time is key! Here’s how you can do it:
- Always pat the chicken dry to help the skin crisp up nicely, especially if you’re broiling at the end.
- Using a spice rub not only adds flavor but also helps lock in moisture. Make sure to cover all sides of the chicken!
- The cooking time can vary. If you’re using smaller or boneless thighs, check for doneness to avoid drying them out!
- If you opt to broil for crispy skin, keep an eye on them! It only takes a few minutes to get that golden finish.
With these tips, you’re all set to make delicious, easy chicken thighs that your family will love!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Base:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of either 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crock pot. If you choose to broil the chicken at the end for crispy skin, add another 5 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice crisp on the skin. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
2. Season the Thighs:
Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. The more thorough you are, the more flavor your chicken will have!
3. Prepare the Base:
At the bottom of the crock pot, layer the sliced onions and minced garlic. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor as it cooks.
4. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions and garlic, with the skin side facing up. This way, the skin can crisp up nicely when you choose to broil later.
5. Add the Broth:
Carefully pour chicken broth around the chicken, being mindful not to wash away the spice rub. This broth keeps the chicken moist throughout cooking.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken for added richness. It will help create a lovely golden brown color.
7. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
8. Crisping (Optional):
If you want a crispy skin, you can place the chicken thighs under a broiler for 3-5 minutes after they finish cooking. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
9. Garnish:
Once you remove the chicken from the crock pot, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, rice, or any of your favorite roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your mouthwatering Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used! Just note that they will cook a bit faster, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW to avoid dryness.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water mixed with a teaspoon of chicken bouillon for a similar flavor. Adding a splash of white wine can also enhance the taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individually in the microwave or in a pan on the stove until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes. Place them in the bottom of the crock pot before adding the chicken. Just be mindful of their cooking times; firmer veggies like carrots may take longer to cook than softer ones.
