Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

These Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are a go-to dish for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. With their tender, juicy meat and a delectable honey-garlic sauce, they are perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to savor big flavors with minimal effort.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Step 1: Sear the Chicken
• Step 2: Transfer to Crock Pot
• Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Serve
• Optional – How to Thicken the Sauce:
• Storage Tips:
• How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• With Fresh Herbs
• Over Rice or Noodles
• In Tacos or Wraps
• With Vegetables
• How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Reheating Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs more flavorful?
• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
• What sides go well with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
• How do I store leftover Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
• Can I cook this recipe on LOW instead of HIGH?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just sear the chicken and let the slow cooker do its magic.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Meal: Great for dinner parties or casual family meals, this dish suits any occasion.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers keep well, making it ideal for meal prepping or quick lunches.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and lower in carbs compared to many other dishes.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Serving dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, providing low and slow cooking that results in tender chicken.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken skin to achieve that golden brown finish before it goes into the crock pot.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon dried mustard

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them skin side down until golden brown.

Step 2: Transfer to Crock Pot

Once browned, transfer the chicken thighs to the crock pot skin side up.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, onion powder, thyme, parsley, and dried mustard until well combined.

Step 4: Cook

Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the crock pot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours until fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the chicken from the crock pot and place it on a serving dish. Spoon some of the sauce over each thigh. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Optional – How to Thicken the Sauce:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, pour juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water; whisk into the sauce. Simmer over low heat until thickened.

Storage Tips:

Leftover chicken and sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 3–4 days. Reheat before serving.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Serving Crock Pot Chicken Thighs is as simple as it is versatile. These succulent chicken thighs can be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes to elevate your meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Scatter fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Steamed White Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the rich sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Cooked egg noodles can also serve as a great base, adding a comforting touch to your meal.

In Tacos or Wraps

• Soft Tortillas: Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with toppings like avocado and salsa.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap up the juicy chicken.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Veggies: Pair with seasonal roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: The bright green color and taste of steamed broccoli make an excellent complement to the flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

To ensure your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the overall flavor.
• Sear Before Slow Cooking: Searing the thighs in olive oil gives them a golden crust and adds depth to the flavor.
• Use Bone-in Thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and richer taste compared to boneless cuts.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, follow the optional thickening method provided in the recipe.
• Cook on LOW for Tenderness: While cooking on HIGH is quicker, using LOW heat results in more tender meat.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.

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Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness that pairs well with the sticky sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the flavorful chicken beautifully.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
4. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds bring elegance and texture to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies adds nutrition and freshness alongside hearty chicken thighs.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes offer a sweet contrast that pairs nicely with savory chicken thighs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly, it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Sear: Not searing the chicken thighs can lead to a lack of flavor. Searing adds depth and a nice texture. Always sear skin-side down before adding to the crock pot.
• Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Filling the crock pot too much can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended number of chicken thighs for best results.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season the chicken can make it bland. Always season with salt and pepper or use other spices for enhanced flavor.
• Not Monitoring Cook Time: Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F.
• Neglecting Sauce Consistency: A thin sauce can be unappetizing. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water as instructed in the recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

• Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep moist, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken thighs beforehand or add more spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs will work but may require less cooking time. Check for doneness at around 2.5 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW.

What sides go well with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?

Pair these delicious thighs with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I store leftover Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I cook this recipe on LOW instead of HIGH?

Absolutely! Cooking on LOW is great; just adjust the time to around 5 hours for tender results.

Final Thoughts

These Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding your favorite spices or adjusting sweetness levels. Try this recipe today and enjoy rich flavors with minimal effort!

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