What is a classic dish in my kitchen? What’s for dinner? “This recipe is your answer. What’s the flavor of a Slow Cooker version of sheet pan dinner? What are some comfort food recipes that make you feel better? What is tender chicken in a rich, savory sauce? Is it less fussy than roasting chicken? My grandma made something similar, but it involved hours of simmering on the stove. How do I cook a slow cooker with no babysitting? So, ditch the takeout menu and let’s get cooking!
What is a crock pot chicken thigh?
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are basically chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a Slow Cooker or crock pot. What is the best sauce for a pot roast? Think of it as a set-it-and-forget kind of dish. Instead of baking or frying, the chicken simmers in the crock pot, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. What are some of the best ways to absorb the flavors of a sauce? What is the best way to cook chicken with minimal effort? The name says it all! What’s in a crock pot? What are some of the best home cooked meals to make on a weeknight? What is the best time to spend in the kitchen? Is this a game changer?
Why you will love this recipe?
How do I start with this recipe?flavorIs it out of this world? The chicken is so tender that it melts in your mouth, and the sauce is a perfect balance of flavor and sweetness. What are some of the best foods to eat in I use a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, which creates an addictive taste. What is the flavor profile My kids ask for this all the time! Then there’s the other one.simplicityIs this recipe easy to make? Is the crock pot worth it? What I love most about this is that I can throw everything in before I leave for work, and dinner is perfect. When I get home, I’m ready. No more stressful weeknight cooking!Cost-Chicken thighs are generally more affordable than Chicken Breasts, making this a budget-friendly option. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. And finally, the food.versatility! You can serve this chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even on a sandwich. What are some good leftovers for tacos? Is this a super adaptable recipe that you can customize to your liking? If you like easy and flavorful chicken recipes, you might also like my baked lemon herb recipe. What is a crock pot version of chicken?
How do I make crock pot chicken thighs?
Quick Overview
How do I make crock pot chicken thighs? How do you make chicken thighs in a sauce? All cook in the Slow Cooker until the chicken is tender. What are some easy dump-and-go recipes for a busy weeknight? The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful, and it’s almost as good as a steak. Is it impossible to mess up? How do you cook in a crockpot?
Ingredients
How do I cook chicken thighs in a Crock Pot?
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thigh) – I prefer bone-less and non-skinless for a baby. Is bone-in, skin-on a good option?
* 1/2 cup soy sauce – I use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
* 1/4 cup brown sugar – Helps with caramelization.
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
* 2 tablespoons honey – gives it a nice subtle sweetness.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly chopped is always best for flavor.
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger – Adds a warm, spicy note.
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little kick!
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch – To thicken the sauce at the end (optional).
* 2 tablespoons water – To mix with cornstarch (optional).
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional). I love adding these for a pop of color and flavor!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic. Set aside. What are the ingredients for grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes? What is your flavor base? Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Crock Pot
Place chicken thighs in a Crock Pot. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each thigh is well coated. I like to use tongs to gently turn the chicken in the sauce to make sure everything is evenly coated. I use a wooden spoon to turn it around.
Step 3: Cook on Low or High
In a crock pot, cook chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Is it cooked through and very tender? Can you shred chicken with a fork? I usually go for the low setting if I’m going to be out of the house all day, but the high setting for a day is good. Is there any way to use this app in a hurry?
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the crock pot and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. In a crock pot, stir cornstarch slurry into the water and stir well. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken up quickly!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken (Optional)
If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken in the crock pot before or after cooking. I like to shred it because it makes it easier to serve and the sauce really clings to the shredded.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Is Crock Pot Chicken Thighs good for a side dish? Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. I always do this when I’m serving it to guests – it just makes it look so much more appealing!
What do you serve it with?
What are some of the best crock pot chicken thighs recipes?What is a classic, comforting meal?Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli adds a nice touch of green. What is the best way to serve it on a busy weeknight?What are some healthier options?Serve it with brown rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. Can you serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option?What’s a fun twist to the story?What are some good ways to use shredded chicken as a filling for tacos? Top with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole and sour cream. My kids love this option!As an appetizer: As a smallServe the chicken on slider buns for parties. A small side of coleslaw complements it.
How do I cook crock pot chicken thighs?
Okay, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs turn out perfect every time:
Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the easiest to work with, but bone-in, skin-on thighs will also work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook.
Don’t overcrowd the crock pot: Make sure the chicken is in a single layer in the crock pot. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If you have too much chicken, cook it in batches.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the crock pot along with the chicken. Just be aware that they will become very soft during the long cooking time. I usually add them about halfway through to prevent them from getting too mushy.
Don’t skip the sesame oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding a nutty, aromatic flavor to the sauce. It’s a key ingredient in this recipe!
Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the crock pot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce thicken up nicely.
Garnish generously: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds a pop of color and flavor to the finished dish. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating Crock Pot Chicken Thighs is super easy!
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating. I usually use a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy thawing. Be sure to label and date the container so you know what it is and when you froze it.
Glaze Timing Advice: The glaze, if you thicken it, holds up well to storage and reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the chicken for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does. It’s seriously the easiest way to get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table with minimal effort. The juicy, tender chicken and the flavorful sauce are a match made in heaven! If you’re looking for more easy and delicious crock pot recipes, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker pot roast. And now I’m hungry and excited to get cooking! If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know! Also, if you have any variations or tips of your own, please share them – I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour mixture over chicken thighs.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
