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
My Slow Cooker Secret for Juicy Chicken Thighs
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!
Over the years, I’ve tested this recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs more times than I can count, tweaking the seasonings and adjusting the heat so the chicken comes out tender, juicy, and ready for anything from meal prep bowls to a comforting Sunday supper.
This one of the most-visited recipes on A Southern Soul, and for good reason: it’s reliable. No guessing. No complicated steps. Just well-seasoned chicken thighs cooked low and slow until they practically fall apart. As someone who’s cooked for my family and my community for decades, I’m a big believer in sharing the kitchen wins that actually make life easier — and this one definitely does.
Donya’s Tips and Things To Know
- Layer wisely. Place the thighs evenly in the slow cooker so they cook consistently.
- Avoid overcooking. Even though thighs are forgiving, 4–6 hours on LOW is the sweet spot.
- Don’t throw out the juices. The broth at the bottom is liquid gold — spoon it over rice, save it for soups, or whisk in a little butter for a quick pan sauce.
- Bone-in or boneless? Both work! Bone-in offers more flavor, while boneless are great for shredding.
Need serving ideas? 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 You’ll Need
- 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
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the seasoning: Use taco seasoning, Greek seasoning, Cajun spice, BBQ rub, or a smoky paprika blend.
- Add veggies: Toss in sliced onions, carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for a full one-pot meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream at the end.
- Turn it into shredded chicken: Perfect for tacos, bowls, sandwiches, and meal prep.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Sear the seasoned chicken thighs in a hot skillet until the skin turns golden and crisp. Transfer the thighs to your crock pot, placing them skin-side up.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients — a mix of ketchup, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and dried herbs.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook on HIGH or LOW until tender and the sauce thickens.
- Move the chicken to a serving dish and spoon the warm sauce from the bottom of the crock pot over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
For tender meat that’s fully cooked and safe to serve, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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.
This recipe is even easier with the right equipment! Discover my top slow cooker recommendations and make your cooking effortless.
More Slow Cooker Favorites
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
The Most Helpful Answers to Your Biggest Questions
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.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Stress-Free Cooking
Yes! They keep beautifully. Store in an airtight container with the cooking juices to keep them tender.
Warm them in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or the cooking juices.
Absolutely. Freeze them with their liquid for up to 3 months.
Pop the cooked thighs under the broiler for 3–4 minutes.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
I love serving these chicken thighs over rice so they can soak up that delicious sauce, but sweet potatoes or pasta work just as well. Add something fresh on the side like a simple green salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, and cornbread make an easy yet delicious family meal.
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!
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I feel like I don’t have enough sauce or the sauce is too thick. Should I add chicken broth to it or water?
Either will work if you want.
Enjoy,
~Donya
Can I use skinless and do I still sear if skinless?
I loved this recipe! It was great with boneless thighs too, and I cooked it on low for about 5 hours. The flavor was perfect. If you prefer a little extra spice, you could probably throw in a little cayenne too. This was the easiest recipe and so delicious!
Wonderful! Thanks so much.
~Donya
I don’t have dried mustard, what can I use instead? Or is it fine without it?
Thanks.
You can make it your own if you want to leave it out.
~Donya
This receipe was amazing . I love the easy to make receipts.
Thanks so much, Donna!
~Donya
I have made this so many times and we love it! Excited for colder weather to add it back into rotation. Have you tried freezing this recipe? We are trying to cook somethings ahead to make for easier mealtimes. Thank you!
Wonderful! Thanks so much.
~Donya
When I found this recipe, I thought, “Alright, let’s give it a shot.” But when I actually made it, I was blown away! It’s so simple to prepare, and I already had everything I needed in my pantry. I cooked it on high for 3 hours, and the meat just fell off the bone. Highly recommend—it’s even tastier than you’d expect! Thank you for this recipe! x
Thanks, Kissy! And, you are quite welcome.
~Donya
This recipe is absolutely amazing! I followed this recipe to a T except for 1 thing, I didn’t have dry mustard so I did a squeeze of honey mustard. That’s it. Absolutely amazing! My go to recipe anymore! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Thank you so much, Patti!
~Donya
My husband and I love this recipe! I normally make it in my pressure cooker but it is out of commission so decided to try it in the oven since this is what wantedfor dinner and didn’t prepare early for the crockpot. Came out just as good as in the crockpot or pressure cooker. Left it in the cast iron pan just drained the oil and added the sauce and baked at 350 for 40 minites.
Wow! Followed this recipe to a “T”! Another win win in the books for you. This recipe is easy and super delicious. Husband loved the flavored and the tenderness of this meal and paired it with roasted broccoli and wild rice. Thanks
For a fret crock pot choice. I too love the simplicity of crock pot cooking especially in the fall/winter months.
Great, Mieka! Thank you so much for sharing.
~Donya