Chicken Thighs cooked in the Crock Pot make a mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or lazy weekends! Juicy chicken coated in a thick, rich sauce flavored with garlic, honey, and soy sauce is a slow cooker hit.
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5 Star Reader Comment
I saved this recipe awhile ago and decided to make it. It is fantastic. I made it exactly as the recipe stated. I have a large cast iron skillet and browned the chicken as you stated. My wife loved it. Definitely going to make this again, amd it is so easy. I wouldn’t change a thing with this recipe…..Thank you!
Scott
Are you ready for one of the easiest and most delicious chicken recipes you’ll ever make in the slow cooker? Well, here it is!
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs is a main dish recipe creation that’s been on repeat in my kitchen for several weeks. It’s uncomplicated yet has a combination of flavors that go perfectly together. As the chicken cooks low and slow, the simple 8-ingredient sauce infuses the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavors, making this a recipe you will love.
What To Serve with Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs?
With this amazing chicken, I make a classic menu with Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Southern Style Green Beans, and warm Garlic Rolls. It’s a comfort food meal that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients For This Recipe
- Chicken Thighs – I use bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and texture.. You can use boneless, skinless chicken if you prefer.
- For The Sauce – Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Honey
- Seasonings – Onion Powder, Dried Mustard, Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley, Salt and Pepper
Do I Need To Sear The Chicken First?
For this recipe, getting a good sear on the chicken is best. It helps impart extra flavor. I use a cast iron skillet (get it screaming hot) to brown the chicken. Work in 2 batches so the chicken does not touch while searing the skin.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can. You can use boneless, skinless thighs if you can’t find bone-in, skin-on thighs at the store. I recommend searing the chicken to impart extra flavor before adding it to the crock pot.
How Do I Thicken The Sauce?
Pour the slow cooker’s juices into a medium saucepan. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and whisk into the chicken thigh juices. Simmer on low heat, whisking until the sauce has thickened.
Can You Put Raw Chicken Straight Into a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can put raw chicken straight into a slow cooker. Season it, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
Is It Better to Cook Chicken on High or Low in Crockpot?
Cooking chicken on low is generally better for tenderness and flavor, taking 6-8 hours. High works too, but for 3-4 hours, it can be less tender.
Substitutions For This Recipe
- Add some extra spice with red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeñpos. Mix in grated fresh ginger and sprinkle on sesame seeds for an Asian flair.
- Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce and add in smoked paprika.
How To Store Leftovers
Crock Pot chicken recipes are great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. The cooked chicken and any leftover sauce keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store in a resealable container, then reheat before serving.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs coated with all that yummy rich sauce go really well with any side dish that can soak up all the juicy goodness in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add in a fresh veggie or salad, and dinner is served!
- Instant Pot Herb Rice
- BEST Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Instant Pot Parmesan Noodles
- Skillet Green Beans
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
More Slow Cooker Favorites
If you tried this Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley – optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy bottom pan. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and sear, skin side down until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and place skin side up in the crock pot.
- To a medium-size bowl, add ketchup, soy sauce, honey, garlic, onion powder dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried mustard. Whisk together and pour over the chicken. Place lid on the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours until chicken is done and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove chicken and place on a serving dish. Spoon over the sauce from the bottom of the crock pot, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Want To Know More About Slow Cooking?
If you are new to cooking with a Crock Pot or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using a slow cooker like a pro!
Timeless Traditions: Southern Recipes to Make, Share, and Love
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Tash Janzen
I made this for dinner tonight and it was fantastic!!!! The whole family loved it. The chicken was so juicy…but that sauce!!! I’m definitely making brisket with that sauce ❤️
madeleine glynn
so easy and the sauce is delicious. I added just a tiny bit of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick!
Rachel Longenecker
I make this probably twice a month! It’s a family favorite! How would you recommend freezing it? I like having freezer meals for postpartum and was wondering if I should cook first or after?
You can make the recipe, cook, then freeze. It turns out great!
Thank you for your sweet comments.
~Donya
Janis Lee Neill
Yes yes yes!
Deanna Horton
My family absolutely loved this melt in your mouth recipe. I will be making this dish again! 🥰
Thank you so much Deanna!
~Donya
Jen
Never been a big fan of chicken but this was delicious!
Tiffany Haynie
Good flavor. Easy. It was a hit. 3 TBSP of garlic. I think it’s a typo. I used 3 tsp and it was perfect. (3 tsp is equivalent to 6 cloves, 3 TBSP is 18 cloves….)
Barbara Tanner
This is the BBQ chicken I’ve ever made. I caught my husband digging in with both hands ; ).
Barbara, you are the best!
Thank you for sharing and tell your husband, I appreciate his committment to the recipe.
XO,
~Donya
Deborah Delacruz
We loved this easy peasy recipe. Will add to our rotation! I want to add a picture that had my FB friends drooling!
LisaDee
I’m making this today, what other sides besides rice go good with this?
Hey there! If you want a meat and potatoes meal try:
https://www.asouthernsoul.com/skillet-green-beans/ and https://www.asouthernsoul.com/stuffed-baked-potatoes_5/
I also like this recipe with:
https://www.asouthernsoul.com/best-caprese-pasta-salad-fresh-and-easy/ and https://www.asouthernsoul.com/roasted-brussel-sprouts-with-parmesan-lemon/
Enjoy!
~Donya