Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

These Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are a delicious and hassle-free meal option that can elevate any dinner table. With their juicy texture and rich sticky sauce made from garlic, honey, and soy sauce, they are ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely family meals. Their mouthwatering flavor profile makes them a standout choice for various occasions, ensuring satisfaction with minimal effort.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Step 1: Sear the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 3: Cook to Perfection
• Step 4: Serve It Up
• Optional – How to Thicken the Sauce
• Storage Tips
• How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• On a Bed of Rice
• With Mashed Potatoes
• In Tacos
• As Part of a Salad
• With Crusty Bread
• Over Quinoa
• How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Reheating Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I make these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs spicier?
• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
• What sides go well with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
• Can I double this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Tools and Preparation

To make these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs effortlessly, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment can simplify your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Serving dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet – Ideal for achieving a golden-brown sear on chicken thighs before slow cooking.
• Slow cooker – Perfect for hands-off cooking; it ensures even heat distribution for tender results.
• Mixing bowl – Useful for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.

Ingredients

These Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, sticky sauce made with garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekend dinners, this easy slow cooker meal is satisfying and low effort, yet delivers big on flavor.

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon dried mustard

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How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them skin side down until golden brown. Transfer to the crock pot with the skin side up.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, onion powder, thyme, parsley, and dried mustard. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken in the crock pot.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Cover your crock pot and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender while the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Remove the chicken from the crock pot and place it on a serving dish. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Optional – How to Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce: pour the juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water; whisk this mixture into the sauce. Simmer over low heat until thickened.

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken thighs along with their tasty sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 3–4 days. Be sure to reheat before serving to enjoy their full flavor again!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want a casual meal or a more elegant presentation, there are plenty of options to consider.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the chicken thighs over steamed white or brown rice, allowing the rich sauce to soak into the grains for extra flavor.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, which will complement the sticky sauce beautifully and create a comforting meal.

In Tacos

• Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a fun twist.

As Part of a Salad

• Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a light yet satisfying option.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy the chicken alongside some crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Over Quinoa

• For a healthier grain option, serve the thighs on a bed of quinoa. This adds protein and fiber while keeping the dish nutritious.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

To achieve perfectly cooked Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Sear the Chicken: Browning the skin before adding it to the crock pot creates depth of flavor and improves texture.
• Use Bone-in Thighs: Keeping the bone in helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicy meat.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; proper seasoning enhances overall taste.
• Add Aromatics: Including garlic, onion powder, and herbs in your sauce elevates the dish by adding layers of flavor.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crock pot model, check for doneness; some may cook faster than others.
• Thicken Sauce if Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with cold water as described in the recipe for an added richness.

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Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Completing your meal with side dishes elevates your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that pair well with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs.

1. Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and green beans adds color and nutrients without overshadowing the main dish.
2. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers contrast to the tender chicken while providing a refreshing bite.
3. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These add a sweet touch that balances out the savory flavors from the chicken.
5. Cornbread: With its slight sweetness and crumbly texture, cornbread complements the rich sauce beautifully.
6. Green Beans Almondine: The nuttiness from almonds paired with tender green beans creates an elegant side that pairs perfectly.
7. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well while keeping your meal light.
8. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad can be refreshing alongside warm chicken thighs, offering varied textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Crock Pot Chicken Thighs can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Searing: Not searing the chicken before putting it in the crock pot can lead to less flavor. Take a few extra minutes to brown the skin for a richer taste.
• Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Adding too many chicken thighs at once can result in uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for air circulation.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: A common mistake is not adding enough sauce or liquid. Ensure there’s enough moisture to create that delicious sticky sauce.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to recommended cooking times to keep it juicy and tender.
• Forgetting to Season: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland results. Don’t skip salt and pepper!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crock Pot Chicken Thighs in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

• Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well too! Just reduce the cooking time slightly.

What sides go well with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?

These chicken thighs pair nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot has enough capacity and adjust cooking times if needed.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe fits perfectly. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!