Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe features tender and flavorful bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection. The chicken is first seasoned with a savory blend of spices, seared for a golden crust, then gently cooked in a crock pot with chicken broth to keep it juicy and delicious. Optional steps include thickening the flavorful cooking juices for a rich sauce. This easy, hands-off meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Pat and Season: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs for full flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. This step locks in flavor and improves texture.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Carefully move the seared chicken thighs to the crock pot, arranging them skin-side up to maintain the crispiness. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the crock pot gently, avoiding pouring over the chicken skin.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and cooked through during this time.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and whisk it into the crock pot juices. Cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the crock pot or plate individually and serve warm with the thickened sauce spooned over if prepared.
Notes
- Remove the skin before cooking to reduce fat content for a leaner dish.
- For enhanced flavor, add sliced onions or a few garlic cloves to the crock pot before cooking.
- Bone-in thighs are recommended for juicier results; however, boneless thighs can be used with a shorter cooking time adjustment.
