Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs make for an easy weeknight dinner. Chicken thighs cooked in the slow cooker result in flavorful, juicy, tender thighs. Fall-off the bone chicken everyone loves.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
These slow cooker chicken thighs will quickly become your go-to chicken meal. Easy and simple way to prep them. Then just add your prepped chicken thighs to the slow cooker and set it and forget it. Chicken thighs cooked in the slow cooker result in flavorful, juicy, tender, fall-off the bone chicken. Perfect easy, delicious, comforting meal.
Ingredients needed to make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
- Chicken thighs– Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs.
- Spices and Herbs– Pink sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Olive oil– Fat to add moisture and tenderness to chicken.
- Chicken broth– low-sodium chicken broth.
Equipment needed to make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
- Large mixing bowl– So you can add and prep chicken thighs in.
- Small mixing bowl– To add all spices and herbs and mix together.
- Skillet– For more flavor, chicken thighs will be seared so they can release some juices.
- Slow Cooker– Any size slow cooker will do.
How to make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
- Step 1– Pat chicken thighs dry and cut off any excess fat. Place in a large mixing bowl. In a small mixing bowl mix together spices and herbs; pink sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle over chicken thighs and rub making sure they are well coated with spices and herbs.
- Step 2– Drizzle oil on a large skillet and place on stovetop. Bring to a heat on high. Place prepped chicken thighs skin side down. Sear thighs for 4-5 minutes. Depending on how big your skillet is you may have to cook in batches.
- Step 3– Transfer seared thighs to slow cooker and pour in chicken broth. Cover slow cooker and set on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Step 4– Remove chicken thighs from slow cooker and serve. Enjoy!
Tips and Substitutions:
- Don’t skip searing the thighs first– Searing chicken thighs before slow cooking helps them release some juices which elevates flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer– To ensure chicken’s internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit once they are done cooking. Depending on the size of the thighs, cooking time may vary.
- Make a gravy– Once you remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker, pour liquid into a small pot and place on stovetop. Reserve 2 tablespoons of liquid then bring liquid in pot to a simmer on medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour to reserved 2 tablespoons of liquid. Stir to combine and form a slurry. Once liquid in pot starts to simmer, add in slurry and continue to whisk until liquid becomes thickened. Serve as gravy.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs– If that’s what you have or prefer you can certainly use these thighs instead. Definitely still sear first though.
- Substitute for olive oil– Use any other cooking oil like avocado oil or refined coconut oil.
How to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
These slow cooker chicken thighs are super flavorful and easy to make. They can be served with just about any side dish to make a complete meal. Some of my go-to dishes to serve these slow cooker chicken thighs with are:
- Easy Homemade Spanish Rice
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Home Fries
- Garlic Butter Sautéed Mushrooms
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Honey-Ginger Roasted Carrots
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Variations:
To get some variations of these slow cooker chicken thighs, you can just play with the spices and herbs. Add some sauces and/or condiments to get some variation in flavors.
- BBQ Chicken Thighs– Add barbecue sauce and smoked paprika.
- Asian inspired– Use some grated ginger, tamari or coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds.
- Mexican inspired– Add chili powder, lime juice, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, fresh cilantro.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs FAQ’s:
Should I slow cook chicken on high or low?
You can slow cook chicken thighs on either high or low. Depending on the setting, you will just have to adjust the time you cook the chicken in. If using high setting, cook chicken thighs for less time; about 4-5 hours. If slow cooking on low setting, cook for more time; about 5-6 hours.
How to get more flavor in chicken thighs?
Make sure not to skip the searing process. Searing chicken thighs before slow cooking helps them release some juices which elevates flavor.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Yes. You can use boneless chicken thighs if that’s what you have or prefer. Definitely still recommend searing them first to get some juices and extra flavor.
Meal Prepping it:
These slow cooker chicken thighs are great for meal prepping. They are simple and easy to prep; then you just throw them in the slow cooker and let them do their thing. These make 4-5 servings which can be used for make-ahead dinners or lunches. Double the recipe and have plenty of meals for the week ahead.
How to store Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
Place chicken thighs in an airtight container or a zip bag tightly sealed. Keep chicken thighs refrigerated for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
Place chicken thighs in a freezer bag and tightly seal. Make sure to push down on the bag before sealing to remove any excess air. You can freeze chicken thighs either after searing and before slow-cooking; or after slow cooking. If you are freezing them after searing, allow them to completely cool-off before placing in freezing bag and freezing. Keep chicken thighs frozen for up to 5-6 months if not completely cooked; or 4-5 months if completely cooked.
Did you like this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe? You may also like these other chicken recipes:
- Orange Rosemary Chicken
- Honey-Mustard Chicken and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
- Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken
- Balsamic Chicken with Herbed Roasted Potatoes
- Turmeric Chicken and Rice
Looking for more slow cooker recipes? Check these out:
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs make for an easy weeknight dinner. Chicken thighs cooked in the slow cooker result in flavorful, juicy, tender thighs. Fall-off the bone chicken everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) (about 4-5 large thighs)
- 1 tsp pink sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
-
Pat chicken thighs dry and cut off any excess fat. Place in a large mixing bowl. In a small mixing bowl mix together spices and herbs; pink sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle over chicken thighs and rub making sure they are well coated with spices and herbs.
-
Drizzle oil on a large skillet and place on stovetop. Bring to a heat on high. Place prepped chicken thighs skin side down. Sear thighs for 4-5 minutes. Depending on how big your skillet is you may have to cook in batches.
-
Transfer seared thighs to slow cooker and pour in chicken broth. Cover slow cooker and set on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
-
Remove chicken thighs from slow cooker and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Tips and Substitutions:
-
- Don’t skip searing the thighs first– Searing chicken thighs before slow cooking helps them release some juices which elevates flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer– To ensure chicken’s internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit once they are done cooking. Depending on the size of the thighs, cooking time may vary.
- Make a gravy– Once you remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker, pour liquid into a small pot and place on stovetop. Reserve 2 tablespoons of liquid then bring liquid in pot to a simmer on medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour to reserved 2 tablespoons of liquid. Stir to combine and form a slurry. Once liquid in pot starts to simmer, add in slurry and continue to whisk until liquid becomes thickened. Serve as gravy.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs– If that’s what you have or prefer you can certainly use these thighs instead. Definitely still sear first though.
- Substitute for olive oil– Use any other cooking oil like avocado oil or refined coconut oil.
*Number of total servings in estimated. Actual number of servings may vary depending on your own personal preference in portion sizes.
**Nutritional values shown are general guidelines for 1 serving using the ingredients listed above. These numbers do not reflect and may vary depending on substitutions, additions and/or different brands and/or other ingredients that may be used.
**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and sponsored content. All the opinions are my own and I only recommend products I use in my own home with my own family.
