Juicy Slow-Simmered Tender Chicken Thighs Recipe

Slow cooker chicken thighs emerge as a delectable solution for busy weeknight dinners.

These juicy and flavorful protein-packed morsels promise maximum taste with minimal effort.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can create such remarkable results.

The succulent meat practically falls off the bone, inviting everyone to savor each delicious bite.

Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Quick preparation meets incredible flavor in this foolproof recipe.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with these mouthwatering chicken thighs that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools That Make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Work Like a Charm

• Slow Cooker: Essential for hands-off, tender cooking of chicken thighs.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken to lock in golden-brown flavor.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing onions and prepping ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp tool for precise mincing of garlic and chopping onions.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure seasonings accurately.
• Tongs: Great for handling and flipping chicken during searing.
• Broiler or Oven: Optional for creating crispy chicken skin after slow cooking.

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in a Slow Cooker the Right Way

• Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs and massage them with a blend of savory spices to unlock maximum flavor. Create a delicious seasoning rub that will make your taste buds dance.

• Sear for Flavor Explosion

Fire up a skillet and give those chicken thighs a quick golden sear. This step adds a delicious caramelized exterior that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Build the Slow Cooker Base

Scatter fragrant onions and garlic across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavor-packed foundation for the chicken.

• Layer in the Protein

Gently place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic bed, creating a mouthwatering arrangement.

• Pour the Magic Sauce

Whip up a quick liquid mixture that will infuse the chicken with incredible depth and richness. Drizzle this flavor bomb all over the chicken.

• Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and let the slow cooker transform your chicken into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Cook until the meat is falling-apart delicious.

• Optional Crispy Finish

For those who love a bit of crunch, pop the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to create an irresistible crispy exterior.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate your succulent chicken alongside your favorite sides and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Sauces and Seasoning Tips for Bold Slow Cooker Chicken

• Add a splash of white wine or apple cider to the broth mixture for deeper, more complex flavor notes.
• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing to achieve a crispier golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.
• Replace traditional sides with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables for a keto-friendly meal.
• Experiment with different dried herbs like oregano, sage, or Italian seasoning blend to create unique flavor profiles.
• These chicken thighs store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat wonderfully for quick lunches or dinners.

Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Rice or Potatoes

• Comfort Meal Companions: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce and complement the tender chicken.
• Veggie Boost Plate: Roast seasonal vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus as a nutritious and colorful side that enhances the meal's flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top to add brightness and a pop of fresh flavor that cuts through the rich chicken.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to balance the savory chicken and provide a sophisticated dining experience.

Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Chicken for Reuse

• Keep leftover chicken in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the meat completely before sealing to maintain maximum freshness.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Chicken will stay delicious for 23 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Gently warm chicken in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F for 1015 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
• Slice cooked chicken and portion into meal prep containers with roasted vegetables or grains. These ready-to-go meals simplify lunch planning and ensure quick, nutritious options throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 4

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs – What to Toss in First

• Chicken Thighs: Select bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring even marbling for tender results.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the natural chicken flavor and create a balanced taste profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers deep, aromatic undertones that complement the chicken's richness.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the meat's exterior.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Herbaceous seasonings that provide earthy, woodland-inspired notes to elevate the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden sear and prevents sticking during initial cooking stage.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and deepens overall flavor complexity in slow cooking process.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami depth and subtle saltiness to enhance meat's natural taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, slightly fermented undertone that rounds out savory profile.

• Onions: Creates sweet, caramelized base layer that infuses gentle sweetness throughout dish.
• Garlic: Releases robust, pungent flavor that permeates entire chicken preparation.

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs elevate weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Juicy, tender meat infused with aromatic herbs promises a comforting meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Prep: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
2. Searing Stage: Quickly caramelize chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat, developing a rich golden crust that enhances overall flavor profile (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).
3. Slow Cooker Foundation: Create a aromatic base by layering sliced onions and minced garlic across the bottom of the slow cooker, which will infuse the chicken with deep, savory notes.
4. Liquid Infusion: Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then gently pour the mixture over the seasoned chicken to ensure complete moisture and flavor penetration.
5. Cooking Process: Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become supremely tender and fully cooked through.
6. Finishing Touch: For an optional crisp exterior, transfer chicken to broiler and brown for 3-5 minutes, creating a delectable caramelized skin that adds textural contrast.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate the succulent chicken alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Searing chicken thighs before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to ensure maximum moisture and tenderness during slow cooking process.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like za’atar, Italian blend, or Cajun spices to transform the dish’s flavor profile.
• For low-sodium diets, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content while maintaining delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg