Crockpot Chicken Thighs: A Family Favorite
Are you looking for a delicious meal that your whole family will love without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than these crockpot chicken thighs! This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights, these chicken thighs come out tender and juicy, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will surely become a staple in your household!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total Time
6 hours 10 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika together.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot. You can thicken the sauce by turning the crockpot to high and letting it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Serve the chicken thighs with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy your family dinner with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables!
Why Choose Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are often overlooked in favor of chicken breasts, but they offer many benefits. Thighs are darker meat, which means they are more flavorful and stay moist even when cooked for longer periods. This makes them ideal for slow cooking methods like in a crockpot. Plus, they are usually more budget-friendly, making them a great choice for families looking to save money while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Customizing Your Recipe
The best part about this crockpot chicken thighs recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers work wonderfully when added to the crockpot. You can also switch up the seasoning to suit your family’s tastes. For a more Asian-inspired dish, add ginger and sesame oil, or for a Mediterranean twist, mix in lemon juice and oregano. The possibilities are endless!
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store the chicken thighs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers a treat!
Final Thoughts
This crockpot chicken thighs recipe is not just a meal; it’s a way to bring the family together. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can enjoy more time with your loved ones while the slow cooker does all the work. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and watch as this dish becomes a go-to favorite in your home!
