Description
This slow cooker chicken thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. The chicken thighs cook slowly in a flavorful mix of herbs, garlic, and lemon, allowing all the ingredients to meld together perfectly. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe is ideal. The slow cooking process makes the chicken so tender it practically falls off the bone. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting, hassle-free meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
6–8 Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless for a leaner option)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 cup chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispy skin if you choose to leave the skin on.
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. If you like, add garlic powder, onion powder, or other spices based on your flavor preferences.
Optional – Sear the Chicken (For Extra Flavor):
If you prefer an extra depth of flavor and a crispy exterior, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. This step is optional but adds richness to the dish.
Prepare Aromatics for the Slow Cooker:
Slice the onion into thin rings and mince the garlic. These will create a flavorful base for the chicken as it cooks.
Zest the lemon and juice it. The zest adds a burst of citrusy aroma, while the juice will help tenderize the chicken and give a fresh tang to the dish.
Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions and garlic.
Sprinkle the fresh thyme or rosemary over the chicken for added herbal notes.
Add Liquid:
Pour 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) into the slow cooker to ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out as it cooks. The liquid will also combine with the seasonings to form a flavorful sauce.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the chicken broth with white wine or even a bit of lemon juice for extra zest.
Cook on Low:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Tip: Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this can significantly affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked chicken.
Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. If you’ve left the skin on, you can remove it now or serve the chicken with the skin on for added texture.
For a thicker sauce, you can transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan and simmer it for 5-10 minutes on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the slow cooker chicken thighs with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Pour the flavorful sauce over the chicken for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
Bone-In vs. Boneless Thighs:
Bone-in, skin-on thighs tend to yield the most flavorful and moist chicken, as the bones help retain moisture. However, boneless, skinless thighs cook faster and are easier to serve if you’re looking for a leaner option.
If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Skin-On for Crispiness:
If you prefer crispy skin, you can sear the skin side of the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Alternatively, after the chicken is done cooking, broil it in the oven for 3-4 minutes to achieve a crispy finish.
Marinating the Chicken:
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs will add an extra layer of flavor.
Add Vegetables:
For a one-pot meal, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker. These can cook along with the chicken and soak up the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings.
Adjusting Liquid:
If you want a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cooking liquid at the end by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering it until it thickens. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve a thicker consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve the chicken’s tenderness.
The chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the slow cooker or oven
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken
- Calories: 250-300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350-400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23-25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg