If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, Crock Pot Chicken Thighs deliver every single time. With juicy, tender chicken in a savory, herby sauce that’s both simple and satisfying, this is one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. You get big, bold flavor with minimal prep, and your house will smell so inviting you’ll have everyone eagerly waiting around the crock pot as dinner finishes up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity, and every ingredient in Crock Pot Chicken Thighs has a part to play—whether it’s building an irresistible sauce or infusing each bite with depth and aroma. Gather these basics and you’re halfway to dinner bliss!
- Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless & skinless): The star of the show—perfectly tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra savory notes.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle garlicky warmth without the fuss of peeling cloves.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Lends sweetness and a mild onion flavor that permeates the dish.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smokiness and a beautiful hint of color.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A classic herb that adds earthy, aromatic undertones.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a Mediterranean touch and balances the other herbs.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the thighs moist and helps blend all the flavors into a savory sauce.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Deepens the umami flavor and adds saltiness to the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Contributes a tangy complexity that pulls the sauce together.
- Cornstarch Slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): For a thicker, glossier sauce at the very end.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep and Dry the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick and ensures a better sear if you’re browning the meat. Dry chicken equals maximum flavor and texture—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Season the Thighs
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give the spice blend a quick toss, then rub it all over the chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated for maximum taste in every bite.
Step 3: Sear for Flavor (Optional, but Worth It!)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in, letting each side sizzle for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. This step creates a gorgeous flavor base for your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, but you can skip it on a busy night and still get fabulous results.
Step 4: Arrange in the Crock Pot
Transfer your seasoned (and possibly seared) chicken thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out so they form an even layer. This helps them cook evenly and infuse with all the delicious liquids you’re about to add.
Step 5: Mix & Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until fully combined. Pour this savory mixture right over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure every piece is bathed in the flavor-packed sauce.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken thighs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and fully cooked through. The aroma will let everyone know something amazing is on the way!
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like the sauce a bit thicker, remove the chicken and stir your cornstarch-water mixture into the cooking liquid. Cook on high for another 5–10 minutes until thickened and glossy, then nestle the chicken back into the sauce.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once everything is piping hot and ready, serve your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs straight from the slow cooker, spooning that irresistible sauce over each serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even a few chives adds a welcome splash of color and a fragrant pop to the finished dish. If you like a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon is delightful right before serving.
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are dreamy over fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or simple steamed rice—they soak up all that savory sauce beautifully. You can also serve with roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal that feels effortlessly cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, shred leftover chicken to stuff into tortillas for tacos, pile over a fresh salad for easy lunches, or even layer in a sandwich with pickles and greens. The possibilities with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are just about endless and perfect for reinventing those leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra cooked chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making Crock Pot Chicken Thighs just as tasty (if not tastier) the next day. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Crock Pot Chicken Thighs! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce so it’s just as saucy as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs work great and will result in even juicier meat, though you may need to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing adds extra flavor and a golden color to your Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, but it’s totally optional. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to add the seasoned thighs directly to the crock pot.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, stone ground mustard or even yellow mustard can work in a pinch. It will slightly change the flavor but still add that nice tangy kick to the sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold the increased quantity. Stack the thighs in two layers if needed, and check for doneness before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Using the cornstarch slurry as described is the simplest way to thicken the sauce for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs. Mix the cornstarch with water first to avoid lumps, then add to the hot cooking liquid and heat until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved go-to for easy, delicious dinners. With juicy chicken, a mouthwatering sauce, and hardly any hands-on time, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep on regular rotation. So gather your simple ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Thighs cooked to perfection in a savory sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs and coat with the spice rub.
- Sear Chicken: Brown the chicken in a skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix broth, soy sauce, and mustard, then pour over chicken in the crock pot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken Sauce: If desired, thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used with adjusted cooking time.
- Enhance flavor with fresh rosemary or garlic.
- Leftovers are perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
