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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
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Tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs cooked low and slow with aromatic herbs and spices, delivering juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (skinless can be used as preferred)

Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and adds texture.
  3. Add Aromatics to the Slow Cooker: Place chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a fragrant base that infuses the chicken with subtle sweetness.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker on top of the onions and garlic. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, dried herbs, and lemon juice evenly over the chicken.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Final Touches: Once cooked, skim off excess fat if desired. For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer on the stove until reduced or whisk in a cornstarch slurry for instant thickening.

Notes

  • Sear chicken thighs before slow cooking to build deeper flavor and texture.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and richness; boneless or skinless can be used but yield different texture.
  • Arrange chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
  • Cooking on low heat maximizes tenderness and flavor melding; high heat shortens cooking time.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
  • Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat, coconut milk for creaminess, or vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a complete meal.
  • For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, slow cooked chicken, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/slow-cooker-chicken-thighs/