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Take the guesswork out of meal planning with this delicious, versatile slow-cooked main dish! Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are packed with mouthwatering flavors and the ‘hands-free’ method of cooking is ideal for busy weeknights! This collection has all the BEST recipes to pair with your chicken thighs with everything from fresh salads to baked potatoes.
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Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, check all the boxes for one of the most delicious and easy recipes ever! This recipe is easy to prepare in just 10 minutes, cooked low and slow, so you’re not babysitting the stove, and it’s super versatile.
By using a Crock Pot, you can deliver restaurant-quality food right to your own dining room table. This juicy, tender chicken is coated in a thick 8-ingredient sauce that infuses the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavors.
You can serve this recipe for any occasion and pair it with just about any side dish. I’ve put together this collection of side dishes that has all the recipes you need to make a complete supper. Whether you’re in the mood for potatoes, broccoli, or sautéed apples, just add Crock Pot Chicken Thighs to make a beautiful meal!
People Often Ask…
How Long Does It Take To Cook Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
One of the things that makes this recipe so fantastic is the fact that you can really make the timing work for you! This recipe will take 3 hours to cook on the HIGH setting of the Crock Pot, and 5 hours to cook on LOW.
Do You Have To Sear The Chicken Thighs Before Putting Them In The Crock Pot?
For this recipe, it really is best to get a good sear on the skin of the chicken. It helps impart extra flavor. I use a cast-iron skillet (get it screaming hot) to brown the chicken. Work in 2 batches so that the chicken does not touch while you’re searing the skin.
That being said, if you don’t have time to sear the chicken thighs, they will still cook through completely in the Crock Pot.
What Are Tasty Substitutions And Additions To Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
For the most part, I really do make this recipe as written, but there are two substitutions that I’ve tried and really enjoyed. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you can’t find bone-in, skin on, it will work just as well. Also, if you’re not a ketchup fan, then you can substitute your favorite BBQ sauce.
Over the years, I’ve made a couple different versions of this dish, and these are my two favorite things to add. You can add in the juice and zest of one orange for a fresh kick, and a tablespoon of fresh grated ginger compliments that very well.
I like to refer to this dish as ‘hands-free cooking’ since you can prepare it ahead, then slow cook it throughout the day. This method of cooking also imparts fantastic flavors into the dish, saturating the chicken in that yummy, rich sauce.
These chicken thighs go well with any side that can soak up all the saucy goodness from the slow cooker. With these easy side dishes, your meal will come together in minutes.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
I’ve pulled together all of my favorite ways to serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs. When I’m building a meal, I like to start with my main dish and then decide my sides based on the occasion and the number of people I’m feeding.
You can make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs for family dinner, birthday celebrations, graduation parties, potlucks and anytime you’re feeding a crowd.
Usually, I start by choosing what kind of starch and vegetable I want to serve with my chicken thighs. I pick one type of food from each category below and then find the recipe that matches either my mood or my dinner timeline, here are a couple of my favorites…
Comfort Food Side Dishes
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Grits
- Casseroles
Vegetable Side Dishes
- Green Salad
- Vegetable Salad
- Sautéed Veggie
- Oven-Baked or Air Fried Veggie
Casseroles, Grits, Potatoes, and Rice
Fresh Salads
Vegetable Side Dishes
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!
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