Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe will show you how to cook chicken thighs in your crock pot! The result is juicy, tender and flavorful chicken that falls right off the bone.  

I figured it was about time I  create a recipe for slow cooker chicken thighs! 

See, I adore my air fryer chicken thighs and my Instant Pot chicken thighs recipes, but sometimes you just want to set it and forget it, and that's where the slow cooker comes in handy. 

Since the weather's been getting cooler, we've been loving my slow cooker chicken stew. But, sometimes I just want to batch cook chicken for lunches, and using the slow cooker is perfect for that! 

Recipe features

• The chicken is pan-seared in a skillet first, which allows the skin to become crispy
• Coated in a simple yet flavorful dry rub
• Cooked slow and low, which allows the chicken to become so tender that is falls right off the bone 

Ingredients

Bone-in chicken thighs - I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; see "Tips and Tricks" section below if you prefer to use boneless 

Spices - A mixture of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning works well; I used sweet paprika, but smoked paprika will work in a pinch. 

Chicken broth - The chicken will essentially cook in the broth, so don't skip it! 

Butter - Butter makes everything better, am I right? You could use ghee instead, but I would not substitute oil. 

Garlic - Fresh garlic really elevates the flavors of this recipe. Plus, it pairs well with the butter. 

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken. In a small bowl, stir the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning together. Pat the chicken dry, then use your hands to rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs.

Step 2: Pan-sear the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken skin side down into the skillet and pan-fry it for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Now, transfer it to your slow cooker in a single layer, skin side up. 

Step 3: Add everything to your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth, butter and garlic to your slow cooker, then place a lid on top and cook the chicken in LOW for 5 hours. Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley. 

Tips and tricks

• To use boneless skinless chicken thighs: Coat the chicken in the dry rub, then pan-sear it smooth side down in a skillet for about 2 minutes. Transfer it to your crock pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for approximately 3-4 hours.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F. Chicken thighs vary in size, and therefore the cook time may be slightly different.
• For optimal flavor, spoon the juices from the slow cooker over the chicken before serving. 

Is there a way to serve this with gravy?

Yup! Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it with tongs, then pour the juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. Use a hand whisk to whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking for a few minutes until it's thickened into a gravy. If it doesn't seem to be thickening, increase the heat. 

What should I serve with crockpot chicken thighs? 

• Roasted red potatoes
• Roasted carrots
• Braised greens
• Green beans
• White rice

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Reheat chicken in the microwave until it's warm. Alternatively, you can add it to a baking dish with a little water in the bottom, then heat it at 350° until it's warmed through. 

More slow cooker recipes

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Curry Soup
• Butternut Squash Chickpea Chili 

More easy chicken recipes

• Blackened Chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken 

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!