Best 12 Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipes

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When it comes to cooking tender, juicy chicken thighs, nothing beats the convenience and ease of using a slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients and a few hours of cooking time, you can have a delicious, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Whether you prefer classic comfort food or something a little more adventurous, there's a slow cooker chicken thigh recipe out there to suit your taste. In this article, we'll explore some of the best slow cooker chicken thigh recipes, from classic pot roast to tangy barbecue and everything in between.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN THIGHS



Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs image

Soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger (along with the natural juices of the chicken) become irresistible sauce to serve over chicken thighs and rice. If you like a thicker sauce, simply add cornstarch at the end and cook a little longer.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 6h55m

Yield 6 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Nonstick cooking spray
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (2 to 2 1/2 pounds total)
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
One 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Chopped scallions and cooked white rice, for serving

Steps:

  • Coat the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray and add the chicken thighs. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oregano, pepper flakes, garlic and ginger and pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is cooked through and tender, 5 to 6 hours. Turn off the heat, uncover and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving. The chicken and sauce can be served as-is or, for a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and set aside, covered, to keep warm, then turn the slow cooker to high. Stir the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water together until it resembles heavy cream. Pour the mixture into the sauce, cover and cook until the sauce is thick and bubbling, about 30 minutes. (The mixture must come to a boil to activate the starch and thicken the sauce.) Return the chicken back to the sauce and heat the chicken through, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken and sauce to a platter, sprinkle with the sesame seeds and scallions and serve hot with rice.

SLOW COOKER BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS



Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs image

A taste of the South is what you'll get when you toss BBQ flavors into the slow cooker with Tyson® Boneless Skinless Thighs. An easy-to-make meal with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Provided by Tyson Chicken

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips

Time 5h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

9 Tyson® Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons Creole mustard
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Steps:

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in a slow cooker.
  • Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour mixture over chicken thighs and stir to coat.
  • Cook on Low for approximately 5 hours or until internal temperature of the chicken reaches 180 degrees F.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.4 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 129.4 mg, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 23.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 777.3 mg, Sugar 21.1 g

SLOW COOKER SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN THIGHS



Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs image

This family-friendly dinner is just as good as takeout but made really easily in your slow cooker. We like to serve it with rice.

Provided by fabeveryday

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Chicken     Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipes

Time 4h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cubed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice
½ cup chicken stock
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 green onion, chopped

Steps:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch, garlic powder, and ground ginger together in a small bowl. Toss chicken thighs in cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in the skillet until browned on all sides, 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Drain juice from the can of pineapple chunks into a measuring cup. You should have approximately 3/4 cup to 1 cup of juice.
  • Mix 1/2 cup pineapple juice, chicken stock, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce together in a slow cooker. Add browned chicken pieces and stir to coat chicken with the sauce. Cook on Low for 3 1/2 hours.
  • Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with remaining 1/4 cup pineapple juice. Stir cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Increase the slow cooker heat to High and add pineapple chunks and chopped red bell pepper.
  • Cook on High until the sauce is bubbly and thickened and bell pepper is crisp-tender, about 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.1 calories, Carbohydrate 31.9 g, Cholesterol 68.7 mg, Fat 9.9 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 428 mg, Sugar 24.7 g

SLOW-COOKER PESTO CHICKEN THIGHS



Slow-Cooker Pesto Chicken Thighs image

Versatile, juicy and oh-so affordable, these slow-cooker chicken thighs can easily be transformed into two family friendly dinners.

Provided by By Cindy Rahe

Categories     Entree

Time 4h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (6.25 oz) basil pesto
2 tablespoons Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

Steps:

  • Spray slow cooker lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Nestle chicken thighs in slow cooker in even layer; they may be arranged tightly, if necessary.
  • In small bowl, stir pesto and chicken broth. Pour over chicken thighs, and spread evenly with spoon.
  • Cover and cook on High heat setting 4 hours. Serve immediately using one or both of the ideas below, or cool slightly and refrigerate in an airtight container for a few days until ready to use.
  • Bruschetta-Topped Chicken: In medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Let stand 10 minutes for flavors to blend. Spoon over 1/2 recipe hot Slow-Cooker Pesto Chicken Thighs, and serve with rice or pasta as desired. (To use the entire recipe of chicken thighs, double these ingredient amounts.)
  • Bacon Ranch Pasta and Chicken: Cook and drain 1/2 lb pasta (a short variety) as directed on package. Toss hot pasta with 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing and seasoning mix, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled and 1/2 recipe Slow-Cooker Pesto Chicken Thighs, shredded. Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve warm. (To use the entire recipe of chicken thighs, double these ingredient amounts.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 165 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 460 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-LIME CHICKEN THIGHS JAMAICAN RICE AND PEAS



Slow Cooker Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs Jamaican Rice and Peas image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup sliced onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
4 pounds skinless chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce with 1 teaspoon sauce from can
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges, for garnish
2 cups instant white rice
One 14-ounce can coconut milk
1 cup water
One 15-ounce can red beans, drained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1/4 cup chopped scallions
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the chicken: Arrange onion, celery and carrots in bottom of slow cooker. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and arrange over vegetables.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, lime juice, chipotle chiles with sauce, and garlic. Pour mixture over chicken.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Serve half of the thighs with this meal (topped with diced avocado and cilantro and garnished with lime wedges) and reserve remaining thighs for another meal.
  • For the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, beans, thyme, and lime zest. Set pan over high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 5 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Fold in scallions and season to taste with salt and pepper.

SLOW COOKER SESAME CHICKEN THIGHS



Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Thighs image

These succulent slow cooker sesame chicken thighs will make you ask for seconds! Serve over rice.

Provided by Stephanie

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 3h5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

⅓ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons ketchup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Steps:

  • Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sherry, ketchup, garlic powder, and ginger together in a bowl.
  • Place chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour sauce over top.
  • Cover and cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, on Low, 6 to 8 hours, or High, 3 to 4 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25.5 g, Cholesterol 70.1 mg, Fat 11.4 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 22.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 2003.2 mg, Sugar 20.2 g

HONEY-GARLIC SLOW COOKER CHICKEN THIGHS



Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs image

I have used it often. It's easy and uses pantry staples. Always a hit with adults and kids. Serve with basmati rice or quinoa and steamed or roasted vegetables.

Provided by Myrna

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 6h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Lay chicken thighs into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
  • Whisk soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and basil together in a bowl; pour over the chicken.
  • Cook on Low for 6 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324.5 calories, Carbohydrate 34.2 g, Cholesterol 70.9 mg, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 21.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 2203.7 mg, Sugar 30.6 g

SLOW COOKER PESTO CHICKEN THIGHS



Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Thighs image

This recipe is quick and easy!! You just add the ingredients and go!! My husband loves this recipe and he is a very picky eater!! The leftover sauce make a great topping for mashed potatoes or a wonderful stock for soup!

Provided by princess1479

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 6h5m

Yield 1 chicken thigh, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 -6 chicken thighs, I like to use skinelss thights
2 -3 cups chicken broth
3 -4 tablespoons pesto sauce, I use the store bough in a jar, but I'm sure you can use homemade pesto sauce
1 tablespoon garlic, crushed
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Place chicken into the slow cooker or crock-pot. I use a 5 qt crock-pot.
  • Pour chicken broth over chicken.
  • Add your pesto sauce and garlic, then top with salt and pepper.
  • Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, the longer you cook this the better it is.
  • Serve over rice or with mashed potatoes. You can use the sauce for topping for the mashed potatoes.

MAKE-AHEAD SLOW-COOKER ASIAN PEACH CHICKEN THIGHS



Make-Ahead Slow-Cooker Asian Peach Chicken Thighs image

A little bit of sweet, a little bit of heat and a whole lot of easy - this make-ahead slow-cooker meal is sure to please both the diners and the chef.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 16h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
20 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 bag (12 oz) frozen sliced peaches
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 cups hot cooked white rice
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped roasted, salted cashews
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • In labeled 1-gallon freezer bag, place honey, soy sauce, melted butter and chili garlic sauce; seal bag. Knead bag to mix well. Add chicken and frozen peaches; squeeze bag to thoroughly coat chicken and peaches in sauce. Lay flat, and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Thaw 12 to 24 hours in refrigerator, until completely thawed.
  • Pour contents of bag into 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 5 hours.
  • In small bowl, beat cornstarch and cold water. Quickly stir into chicken mixture in slow cooker; cover. Increase heat to High heat setting; cook 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened.
  • Divide rice among 4 bowls. Divide chicken mixture among bowls of rice. Top with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1480 mg, Sugar 23 g, TransFat 0 g

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-LIME CHICKEN THIGHS AND JAMAICAN RICE AND PEAS



SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-LIME CHICKEN THIGHS AND JAMAICAN RICE AND PEAS image

Categories     Chicken

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup sliced onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
4 pounds skinless chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce with 1 teaspoon sauce from can
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges, for garnish
Rice & Peas:
2 cups instant white rice
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
1 cup water
1 (15-ounce) can red beans, drained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1/4 cup chopped scallions
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Arrange onion, celery and carrots in bottom of slow cooker. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and arrange over vegetables. In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, lime juice, chipotle chiles with sauce, and garlic. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Serve half of the thighs with this meal (topped with diced avocado and cilantro and garnished with lime wedges) and reserve remaining thighs for another meal. Rice & Peas: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, beans, thyme, and lime zest. Set pan over high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 5 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Fold in scallions and season to taste with salt and pepper.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN THIGHS OVER HIGH-FIBER BLACK BEAN PASTA



Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs over High-Fiber Black Bean Pasta image

This is our go-to winter dinner. The black bean pasta adds fiber, taste, and a fun weird black color to the dish! Garnish with fresh cilantro and grated Parmesan cheese.

Provided by pnwjo

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 6h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large onion, chopped
4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin and fat removed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 ounce) can fire-roasted diced green chiles
1 quart chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chile-lime seasoning (such as Trader Joe's®)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
1 (12 ounce) bag black bean rotini (such as Trader Joe's®)

Steps:

  • Place onion in a slow cooker. Place chicken thighs on top of onion. Add black beans, great northern beans, and chiles. Pour chicken broth on top and gently mix in chili powder, cumin, chile-lime seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne powder.
  • Cover and cook on Low until chicken is falling off the bone, 6 to 8 hours. Remove chicken thighs to a plate; discard bone and joint and shred meat with 2 forks. Return meat to the slow cooker.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place pasta in a large serving bowl. Ladle chicken and bean mixture over noodles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500.9 calories, Carbohydrate 66.6 g, Cholesterol 50.6 mg, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 24.6 g, Protein 37.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 1645.8 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

MARCEL'S SPICY SLOW COOKER CHICKEN THIGHS



Marcel's Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs image

Named after a friend of mine who taught me how to make this Caribbean-based, slow-cooked dish many, many years ago! Easy to prepare and can be served with long-grain boiled rice or we now always have it with baked potatoes for a really filling, warming meal. Use the hot pepper sauce in moderation if you don't like it too spicy!

Provided by leatrix

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 6h26m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 large tomatoes, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
8 mushrooms, chopped
6 skinless chicken thighs
4 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, divided, or to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 ounces salsa
1 ¾ cups chicken broth

Steps:

  • Combine tomatoes, onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
  • Brush chicken thighs with 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
  • Transfer chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Add 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce and salsa. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
  • Cook on Low until chicken thighs are tender, about 6 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.6 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 1126.2 mg, Sugar 13.2 g

Tips:

  • For a crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry before searing them in a hot skillet.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavor.
  • Season the chicken thighs with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Add vegetables to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
  • Cook the chicken thighs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Slow-cooker chicken thighs are a delicious and easy weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and tender dish that the whole family will love. Whether you serve them over rice, pasta, or vegetables, slow-cooker chicken thighs are sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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