Description
Tender and flavorful crock pot chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices and a rich, savory broth. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken that makes a perfect hassle-free dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure they sear properly and get crispy skin.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken thighs to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step adds depth of flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the crock pot, arranging them skin-side up to maintain crispiness.
- Add Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the crock pot carefully, avoiding pouring it directly onto the chicken skin to preserve the seared texture.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Optional Thickening: To thicken the cooking juices, remove the chicken and mix together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the crock pot liquid and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm with the thickened sauce spooned over, pairing well with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can remove the skin prior to cooking for a lower-fat option.
- For extra flavor, add sliced onions or whole garlic cloves to the crock pot along with the chicken.
- Bone-in thighs are preferred for juicier results, but boneless thighs can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
