7 Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Recipes You'll Love

Slow cooker recipes have become an essential part of home cooking due to their convenience and the depth of flavor they can impart to dishes. Chicken thighs, with their rich flavor and tender texture, are particularly well-suited for slow cooking, providing a comforting meal with minimal effort. Here, we'll explore seven delicious slow cooker chicken thigh recipes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also make your cooking experience more enjoyable and less time-consuming.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of garlic for a meal that’s both delicious and heartwarming.

• 6 chicken thighs
• ¹⁄₃ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup ketchup
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and oregano in a bowl.
3. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.

2. Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Comfort food at its finest, this recipe combines creamy sauce with earthy mushrooms to create a dish that’s hard to resist.

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• Thyme and rosemary for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown the chicken thighs in a pan for color, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. In the same pan, sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and herbs, then pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in heavy cream before serving.

💡 Note: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.

3. Citrus Herb Chicken Thighs

Bring a fresh twist to your dinner table with this citrus and herb infusion.

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine citrus zest, juice, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the mixture over them.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs

Introduce a burst of North African flavors with this exotic recipe.

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp ras el hanout (or mix cumin, coriander, and cinnamon)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• ¹⁄₂ cup dried apricots or prunes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken thighs with ras el hanout.
2. Layer chicken, chickpeas, dried fruit, and onion in the slow cooker.
3. Pour chicken stock over the top.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

🍫 Note: Ras el hanout is a complex North African spice blend that adds depth to the dish.

5. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Experience the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ without firing up the grill.

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 onion, diced

Instructions:

1. Mix BBQ sauce with brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and mustard.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the slow cooker with diced onion.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

6. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

This recipe offers a balance of sweet and savory, making it a family favorite.

• 6 chicken thighs
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup sake or mirin
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki mixture over them.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Garnish with green onions before serving.

🍚 Note: Serve with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

7. Chicken Cacciatore

A robust Italian dish that slow cooking can bring to perfection.

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup red wine
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
2. Add tomatoes, wine, vegetables, and spices to the slow cooker.
3. Place chicken on top.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

These seven slow cooker chicken thigh recipes offer a spectrum of flavors, from sweet and tangy to spicy and savory, showcasing the versatility of chicken thighs in slow cooking. With minimal preparation, you can set your slow cooker to work, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and succulent. Whether you're craving comfort food or something more exotic, these recipes provide a delicious solution to the common question of "what's for dinner?" Each dish not only promises a burst of flavor but also embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, providing warmth and satisfaction to all who partake.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in a slow cooker?

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Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in a slow cooker, but it’s recommended to thaw them first to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, add an extra hour to the cooking time on high or 2-3 hours on low, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I make sure the chicken doesn’t dry out?

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Cooking with enough liquid, using bone-in thighs with skin, and cooking on low heat can help keep the chicken moist. The skin also adds flavor and moisture as it renders.

What can I do if my slow cooker meal becomes too watery?

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To thicken the sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 15-30 minutes, or use the ‘reduce’ function if your cooker has one.