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, and it is so easy.
Scott
My Slow Cooker Secret for Juicy Chicken Thighs
These slow cooker chicken thighs are the kind of weeknight dinner I love because the crock pot does the work while the sauce keeps every bite tender.
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 is one of the most-visited recipes on A Southern Soul, and for good reason: it’s reliable. No guessing. No complicated steps. Crock Pot chicken thighs are one of my favorite easy slow cooker dinners because they turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor with very little prep. My recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and a sweet-savory honey soy sauce that cooks down into a rich glaze for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Enjoy!
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.
Quick Reference: Cook Times by Cut
| Cut | Sear First? | Cook on HIGH | Cook on LOW | Best Finish |
| Bone-in, skin-on | Yes — recommended | 3 hours | 4 to 6 hours | Spoon glaze over top |
| Boneless, skinless | Optional | 2 to 2.5 hours | 2.5 to 3.5 hours | Shred back into the sauce |
| Chicken breasts (boneless) | Optional | 2 to 2.5 hours | 2 to 3 hours | Check at 165°F early |
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.
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.
That said, I want to be real with you. If you are short on time or simply do not feel like getting out a skillet, this recipe will still work without the sear. The sauce is rich enough to carry the dish. You just will not get that gorgeous golden crust or the deeper caramelized flavor. I always sear. But you do not have to.
How to Make Slow Cooker 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.
How Do I Thicken The Sauce After Cooking?
Pour the cooking juices into a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Whisk the slurry into the juices and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
More From My Kitchen, Made for Your Table
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
FAQ: Quick Answers for Stress-Free Cooking
Bone-in, skin-on thighs are my first choice every time. The bone keeps the meat juicy during the long cook and adds richness to the sauce that boneless thighs cannot match. Boneless thighs work beautifully too — they cook faster and are easier to shred for tacos, bowls, and sandwiches. Start checking boneless thighs at 2.5 hours on LOW.
No. I do not recommend it and neither does the USDA. Frozen chicken spends too long in the temperature danger zone before the slow cooker heats it through. Always thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before 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.
This recipe is even easier with the right equipment! Discover my top slow cooker recommendations and make your cooking effortless.
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!
My New eBook!
Top 25 Viral Recipes
Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a busy family, or filling your home with friends, I’m cheering you on from my kitchen. I hope this eBook brings you comfort, creativity, and plenty of delicious moments around your table.
The Best of the Best: Easy Southern Recipes!
GET THIS FREE GUIDE: Easy Southern favorites for nights when you want the flavor, not the chore.
i make all the time ,no left overs .easy to make
That’s the best kind of recipe — easy to make and never any leftovers! I’m so glad it’s a regular in your kitchen. Thanks so much for sharing!
~Donya
real tasty!! will make it again real soon…….guests asked for the recipe!!!
That’s wonderful to hear! I’m so glad it was such a hit — and when guests ask for the recipe, you know it’s a keeper. Thanks so much for sharing your kind note!
~Donya
Hello,
Donya, your recipes are all great!!!!!!!! Can I make the crock pot chicken thigh recipe in the oven? What temperature and time?
Thank you for your time .
Hi there! Thank you so much for the sweet note. Yes, you can definitely make the crock pot chicken thigh recipe in the oven. Just place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with the sauce, and bake at 375°F for about 35–45 minutes (depending on the size of the thighs). You’ll want to make sure the internal temp reaches 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
~Donya
Good morning Donya I have the thighs in the crockpot as I always do I read the whole article from top to bottom. But twice you said in the article you said 6-8 hours on low but in the recipe it says High 3 hours or Low 5 hours. Which is correct please?
Hi there – I know you’ll love the recipe. To clarify, you can cook anywhere from 5 or 6 hours to 8 hours. Check to make sure they are done with an internal temp of 160 degrees.
~Enjoy!
Donya
Thank you Donya for getting back to me so quickly. I did set my crockpot at 4 1/2 hours and I just checked them and they are done and they are amazing!! I will definitely make these many, many times.
Thank again, Karen
Karen, you just made my day! I’m so glad the timing worked out perfectly for you and that they turned out amazing. Hearing you’ll be making them many, many times is the best compliment I could ask for. Thank you for sharing your sweet note with me!
~Donya
Cant tell you how many many times we’ve made this, we love it!
That makes me so happy to hear! I love knowing this recipe has become such a regular in your kitchen — thank you for making it again and again, and for sharing your kind words!
~Donya
Easy and delicious! I wouldn’t change a thing. I cooked on low for 5 hours. I served it with homemade fried rice! A truly delicious meal! It’s going on the rotation for sure!
I wish I could post my picture.
This makes me so happy to read! Five hours on low sounds perfect, and serving it with homemade fried rice? Genius — I bet that was such a delicious combo. I love that it’s earned a spot in your regular rotation. And oh, I wish I could see your picture too — I just know it looked amazing!
~Donya
My husband and I really enjoyed this dish, he said it’s a keeper! Especially after two days in the fridge!
That’s music to my ears! I love when a dish gets even better after a couple of days — all those flavors really come together. So glad it’s a keeper for you both!
~Donya
Perfect! I shredded the chicken after cooking and put it on a bun. The whole family loved it!
Oh, I love that idea — what a delicious twist! 🙌 Shredding it and serving on buns sounds perfect for a family meal. I’m so happy to hear it was a hit with everyone!
~Donya
My husband wanted me to cook chicken thighs and I had no clue what to do. I came across this recipe and decided to try it. Best decision ever! Both my husband and 3 year old loved it! My 3 year old doesn’t eat chicken much but ate the whole thigh. I served it owth rice and garlic green beans!
Oh, this just makes me smile! I’m so glad you gave the recipe a try — and how wonderful that it won over both your husband and your 3-year-old! Sounds like you served it with the perfect sides, too. Thank you for sharing your sweet success story! ~Donya
I made this for the first time and it was delicious! The sauce is so good.
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the sauce. It’s so easy, and comes out perfect every time! ~Donya