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I’ve crafted this recipe countless times, each time tweaking and refining it to what I confidently call perfection. These slow-cooker chicken thighs are not just a high-protein meal; they’re a high-protein dinner that’s perfect for meal prepping in several ways.
Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
Tender, flavorful, and effortlessly succulent—these chicken thighs come out perfectly every time in the slow cooker. This dish is ideal for anyone looking for hassle-free food that promises to deliver on taste and comfort.
This is a great dish to make on the weekend and meal prep for the week. Serve it with sides such as over rice, roasted cauliflower, or with a sweet potato.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to lock in those juices.
- Garlic: Minced, to add a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Seasonings: A simple yet effective blend of black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Slow Cooker
STEP 1 – Heat the olive oil and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs well with the mixture of black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
STEP 2 – Sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
STEP 3 – Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
STEP 4 – Add a few dollops of butter over the chicken and pour in enough chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.
STEP 5 – Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot
- Searing Is Key: Don’t skip searing the chicken as it adds a depth of flavor you can’t achieve otherwise.
- Butter Adds Richness: Butter not only adds richness but also helps to keep the chicken moist and delicious.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but they can become too soft if left too long, even in a slow cooker.
Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Add Veggies: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or onions to make it a one-pot meal.
- Spice It Up: Try experimenting with different spices, such as cumin or coriander, to add additional flavor.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.
To crisp the skin, place the cooked thighs under a broiler for a few minutes after they come out of the slow cooker.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven. For a high protein meal prep, I like to serve these whole with rice and a salad, or shred the remaining meat and serve them with roasted potatoes, rice, or even quinoa.
Absolutely! Freeze them in a covered airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 4 months for best quality.
More High Protein Dinner Recipes:
- Birria Ramen
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Copycat PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Steak Burrito Bowl
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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs , bone-in skin-on
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 Tablespoons butter, sliced into pats
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat the 1 Tablespoon olive oil and 3 cloves garlic, minced, in a skillet over medium heat. Season the 6 chicken thighs generously with the mixture of 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
- Add the pats of 6 Tablespoons butter over the chicken and pour in 1 cup chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve over rice or with roasted potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time in the afternoon. Just 10 minutes of prep and then let the slow cooker do the rest.