Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer this to the slow cooker as well.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Whisk this into the boiling liquid and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over top. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Slow cooker - A kitchen appliance used for slow cooking food.
  • Skillet - A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides.
  • Large saucepan - A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for boiling or making sauces.
  • Whisk - A utensil with a handle and wire loops used for whisking and beating ingredients.
  • Small bowl - A container used for mixing ingredients.
  • Spatula - A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting and flipping food.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
  • Slotted spoon - A spoon with slots or holes used for straining and scooping food.
  • Cutting board - A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A versatile kitchen knife with a sharp blade, used for various cutting tasks.

Recipe variations

  • Replace chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
  • For a smoky twist, add a touch of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce.
  • Make it spicy by adding chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
  • Try using different types of broth such as vegetable broth or beef broth instead of chicken broth.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Make it creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
  • For a Mediterranean flavor, replace the thyme and rosemary with dried oregano and basil.
  • Add a tangy twist by mixing in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.

Recipe overview

Welcome to a simple yet delicious recipe for slow cooker chicken thighs. The delectable combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors, coupled with the tenderness only achieved by slow cooking, make this dish a comforting and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we will walk you through how to prepare and cook these chicken thighs, transforming them into a mouth-watering dish that will appeal to the whole family. Expect tender chicken thighs perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection. The final touch is a flavorful sauce, thickened and poured over the succulent chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice or some crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce. It's a warm, hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the cooking process relaxed, knowing that the slow cooker is doing most of the work for you!

Common questions

  1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
    Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless thighs may cook faster than bone-in thighs.
  2. Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?
    Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer. It will slightly alter the flavor, but still work well in the recipe.
  3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
    Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Keep in mind that the ratio of fresh herbs to dried herbs is generally 1:3. So if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon dried thyme, you would use 3 teaspoons (1 tablespoon) of fresh thyme.
  4. Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
    Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker helps to enhance the flavor and develop a nice brown crust. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step and directly place the chicken in the slow cooker.
  5. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe if you have a large enough slow cooker. Ensure that the chicken is cooked through by adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
  6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
    Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Slow Cooker - A slow cooker is essential for cooking the chicken thighs to perfection.
  • Skillet - You'll need a skillet to sear the chicken thighs before transferring them to the slow cooker.
  • Large Spoon or Tongs - These utensils will come in handy for flipping and transferring the chicken thighs.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will be useful for chopping the onion.
  • Knife - You'll need a knife to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Small Bowl - You'll use a small bowl to combine the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
  • Saucepan - A saucepan will be used to boil and thicken the sauce after cooking the chicken.

Origin stories

Slow cooker dishes, like this chicken thighs recipe, are a product of the modern era and the need for convenience in cooking. The first slow cooker, called the Crock-Pot, was introduced in the 1970s by the Rival Company. It was initially designed to cook beans while unattended, making it an ideal appliance for individuals who worked all day but wanted a home-cooked meal. The slow cooker quickly became a household staple in the United States due to its convenience and versatility. This recipe takes the simplicity of the slow cooker and combines it with the robust flavors of herbs and spices to create a delicious, hearty meal that is sure to please. It's a testament to how modern convenience can intertwine with traditional cooking techniques for a perfect fusion of flavor and ease.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.