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Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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