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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Can I cut this recipe in half?
Sure can! Enjoy. ~Donya
It’s always a great day when I make this “really good chicken”!! Today I’m pairing it with fried squash/zucchini and corn on the cob.
That sounds like a great spread! This dish is definitely a go-to in my house too! Thanks for leaving a review! ~Donya
Can this be made with boneless skinless thighs?
Sure! Enjoy.
~Donya
Delish
This is a crowd pleaser. I have made it for American, English and French friends and they all love it. Very straightforward, takes little time and everyone requests the recipe. I am saying nothing.
Thank you for making my recipe to feed your friends! That is amazing. Thank you for such a kind review. Happy cooking! ~Donya
This was the best tasting chicken I ever made. It was delicious and I will make it again. Thank you for a great recipe.
Thank you for such a kind review! I love how easy and delicious this recipe is. ~Donya
dear donya made these today again for the six time took the recipe long time ago always great regards
Thank you for your kind review, enjoy!! ~Donya
This dinner was amazing, simple to make, the most tender juicy flavorful, we all loved it!!! We have it every other week just about!!
This comment just made my evening! Thank you for your kind review. So happy to hear you are enjoying it!! ~Donya
This sounds amazing. What would I have to change if I used boneless skinless chicken thighs? Thanks for your help.
Hey there! You should not have to change anything. Enjoy! ~Donya
This has been my favorite recipe to make (and to eat) for probably the past year. I really love it, the sauce is one of those things where the punch of flavor is more than the sum of its parts-it’s just delicious and somewhat addictive. It’s also fairly simple to execute, and uses common ingredients that most people are likely to have available already. It’s really excellent 🙂
Thank you for your amazing review! I love how easy and versatile this recipe is as well. I’m so glad you’re here! ~Donya