If you love the convenience of a slow-cooked meal, you'll find these crock pot chicken thigh recipes a game changer.
Chicken thighs are flavorful and incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. Imagine coming home to a warm, delicious dinner that's been simmering all day without much effort on your part.
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Using a slow cooker takes the stress out of preparing a hearty meal, allowing you more time to relax while your kitchen does the work.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes are designed to be easy and straightforward. Let's dive into some mouthwatering options that will spice up your dinner routine!
1) Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs are always a hit in my home. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and tangy ranch seasoning makes every bite flavorful.
To make this dish, I start by laying the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
Next, I sprinkle a packet of ranch seasoning over the thighs, ensuring they're evenly coated.
Then, I pour over a whole bottle of buffalo sauce. Adding chunks of butter on top of the chicken thighs ensures they stay moist while cooking.
I set the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the chicken tender and juicy.
Before serving, I use two forks to shred the chicken thighs directly in the crock pot. They're great on a sandwich, in a wrap, or even on a salad.
2) Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. I love how simple they are to prepare using a slow cooker. The combination of Dijon mustard and maple syrup creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
To make this dish, I start by searing the chicken thighs in a skillet until they're golden brown on both sides. This step ensures they have a beautiful color and locks in the juices.
Then I mix Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a splash of apple cider vinegar in the slow cooker.
After adding the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, I coat them thoroughly with the maple-Dijon mixture.
I set the cooker to low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adding broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking not only makes this dish a one-pot meal but also ensures the broccoli is perfectly cooked. The result is a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for busy weeknights.
3) Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is one of my favorite crock pot recipes. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic makes it a crowd-pleaser.
To prepare, I arrange chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
Then, I whisk soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and garlic together. Pouring this mixture over the chicken, I make sure each piece is fully coated.
Cooking on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours ensures the chicken turns out tender and flavorful. I occasionally baste the chicken with the sauce midway through cooking.
After the chicken finishes cooking, I let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with steamed veggies or rice, making it a complete meal.
4) Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
I love the rich, comforting taste of creamy Tuscan chicken thighs made in the crock pot. This dish starts with browning the chicken thighs in a skillet to lock in flavor before transferring them to the slow cooker.
For the sauce, I mix together chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. I pour this delicious mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
Cooking it on low for five hours, or on high for three hours, makes the chicken incredibly tender. Just before serving, I stir in some chopped spinach to add a fresh touch.
The flavors come together beautifully, and the creamy texture is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
5) Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
If you love BBQ flavors, this slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs recipe will be a hit. I love how the slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken tender and juicy.
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker and pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
I recommend adding a bit of brown sugar for that perfect balance of sweetness.
Cook on low for about 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has melded with the meat.
For an extra touch, you can broil the cooked chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking. This will caramelize the BBQ sauce, giving the chicken a nice, crispy finish.
This recipe is perfect for busy days. Just set it and forget it, and by dinner, you'll have delicious BBQ chicken thighs ready to enjoy.
6) Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
I love the fresh and zesty flavor of Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs made in the crock pot. They are so easy to prepare, and the end result is simply delicious.
I start by placing the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Next, I mix chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. These ingredients add a burst of citrus goodness that pairs perfectly with the herbs.
In a small bowl, I combine Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
This spice mix packs a lot of flavor and gives the chicken a great aroma.
I sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken thighs and make sure they are well coated.
Then, I add fresh minced garlic and a bit of diced butter on top for extra richness.
After covering the crock pot, I let it cook for several hours. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, with the lemon and herb flavors infused throughout. It's one of my go-to recipes when I want a tasty and easy meal.
7) Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
I love making Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in the crock pot. It's one of those dishes that's packed with flavor and so effortless to prepare.
I start by placing the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
Then, I mix up a delicious sauce using soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Once the sauce is ready, I pour it over the chicken thighs and make sure they're well-coated.
Depending on my schedule, I either cook them on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
When the chicken is done, it's tender and juicy, packed with a savory and sweet teriyaki flavor.
For a little extra texture, sometimes I place the cooked thighs under the broiler for a few minutes.
The aroma that fills my kitchen while this cooks is amazing. Serve it with rice and a side of veggies, and I've got a meal that everyone loves and is easy for me to whip up.
8) Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
I love the rich, creamy flavor of Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs. My favorite recipe features chicken thighs cooked in coconut milk, curry powder, and a mix of spices.
First, I coat the chicken thighs with a blend of curry, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Then, I place them in the slow cooker and pour over a mix of coconut milk and tomato paste.
Cooking on low heat for about 6 hours really lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
During the last hour, I add a cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce to my preference.
For an extra kick, I sometimes toss in some chopped scotch bonnet peppers. They add a spicy depth that complements the creamy coconut milk perfectly!
Serving this over steamed rice with a sprinkle of cilantro and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt makes it even more delightful. And let’s not forget the naan on the side.
9) Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots
I love making chicken thighs with potatoes and carrots in my crock pot. It's a simple, comforting dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
First, I trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, I season them with paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure they're flavorful.
I slice baby potatoes in half and chop some carrots for the base. Then, I toss these ingredients into my 6-quart slow cooker.
Next, I add some minced garlic and sliced red onion to the mix. These additions bring a nice depth to the flavor profile.
I like to brown the chicken thighs in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker. This step adds a delicious, crispy layer to the chicken.
Once the chicken is nicely browned, I arrange it on top of the vegetable layer.
Finally, I pour some chicken broth over everything to keep it moist and delicious.
Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours makes the chicken tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked.
This easy recipe is always a hit and great for a cozy family dinner.
10) Smothered Chicken Thighs
I love making smothered chicken thighs in the crock pot. It's a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days when I need a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful.
First, I spray my crock pot with non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup. Then, I layer in some onions and mushrooms which add a rich, earthy flavor. I arrange my chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
Next, I cover the chicken with a mixture of cream of chicken soup and onion soup mix. This makes the sauce creamy and flavorful. I give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.
I cook the smothered chicken thighs on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in irresistibly tender chicken.
If I want a thicker sauce, I can crank up the heat for the last few minutes. This lets the sauce reduce and thicken, perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking chicken thighs in a crock pot is simple, but there are pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Overcooking Chicken Thighs
It's easy to assume that more time in a slow cooker means better results. However, overcooked chicken can become dry and lose its savory goodness. Thighs generally need to be cooked on low for 2.5-3 hours. Cooking longer doesn't always mean better; it can disintegrate the meat and make it bland.
I often use a kitchen thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should be around 165°F (74°C). Set a timer to prevent accidental overcooking and keep those thighs juicy and tender.
Using Too Much Liquid
One mistake I see often is using excessive liquid. Chicken thighs release their juices when cooked, making additional liquid unnecessary. Adding too much can dilute flavors.
Use just enough to lightly cover the bottom of the pot, not the chicken.
If you’re making gravy or sauce, keep it minimal. Ingredients like vegetables and seasonings will enhance the flavor as they cook.
Opt for broth or limited amounts of water to maintain richness. Experiment with minimal liquid to find that perfect balance.