Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Do you find yourself scrambling to come up with a new recipe that’s quick, easy, and delicious? Look no further! Slow cooker chicken thighs are the answer to your prayers. With just a few simple ingredients and some tender loving care, these juicy morsels can be transformed into a plethora of mouth-watering dishes.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delectable slow cooker chicken thigh recipes that are sure to become a staple in your household. From classic comfort food to international-inspired flavors, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress your guests, these slow cooker chicken thigh recipes have got it all.
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. This dish is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and falls-apart tender.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to Low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and brush with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
Transform your slow cooker into a tenderizing machine with this easy and flavorful recipe for BBQ chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they’re fully coated with the BBQ mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Enjoy your fall-apart tender, finger-lickin’ good BBQ chicken thighs!
Creamy Mushroom Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
This comforting recipe is a perfect blend of flavors, with tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a slow cooker, combine chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Sprinkle with thyme before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Get ready for a deliciously easy meal with this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe. With minimal prep work, you’ll have a moist and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they’re coated with the lemon mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Teriyaki Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
A delicious and effortless meal perfect for a busy day! This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a slow cooker and pour the teriyaki mixture over them.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger on top of the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots
A hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, yet yields flavorful chicken, potatoes, and carrots.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4-5 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in White Wine Sauce
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in White Wine Sauce
Savor the tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich and flavorful white wine sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion. This slow cooker recipe is effortless to prepare and requires minimal supervision.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup dry white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc work well)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, white wine, chicken broth, butter, garlic, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and place under broiler until lightly browned (optional).
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Black Beans and Corn
This hearty recipe combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful black beans, sweet corn, and spices for a deliciously easy dinner. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal that’s ready when you are.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Gravy
Savor the rich flavors of tender chicken thighs smothered in a savory gravy, all made possible with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and butter until smooth.
5. Gradually add the chicken broth to the flour mixture, whisking until well combined.
6. Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
7. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Coconut Milk and Curry
This flavorful recipe combines tender chicken thighs with the creamy richness of coconut milk and the warmth of curry spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
2. In the slow cooker, combine curry powder, cumin, and coconut milk. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes and Olives
This hearty recipe is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection in your crockpot. Serve over rice or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced olives, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Check the chicken’s tenderness; if needed, cook for an additional hour.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Peppers and Onions
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and savory pepper-onion sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this slow cooker dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs, onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the top.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is a perfect combination of tender chicken and sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes, all made easy in your slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want a comforting meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite seasonings (e.g. paprika, chili powder)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, layer the chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this comforting and flavorful slow cooker recipe. Moist chicken thighs smothered in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 can (14 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and parsley.
4. If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle on top and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Artichokes
This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked with spinach, artichoke hearts, and aromatic spices to create a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 can (14 oz) of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low setting.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the cooked onion mixture.
4. Top with fresh spinach leaves.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Pineapple and Soy Sauce
This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of soy sauce, creating a deliciously tender and flavorful chicken dish. Perfect for a busy day when you want a healthy meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the mixture to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Lentils and Herbs
This recipe combines the tenderizing power of slow cooking with the hearty goodness of lentils and fresh herbs, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine lentils, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs on top of the lentil mixture.
4. Pour in the olive oil and chicken broth.
5. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and the lentils are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Green Beans and Bacon
A delicious and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, green beans, bacon, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in chicken broth and add thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage
This recipe combines the richness of chicken thighs with the natural sweetness of apples and the earthy flavor of sage, all slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a tender and juicy dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, sliced onion, apple slices, olive oil, garlic, and sage.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
A flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for a busy family or a quick meal prep solution.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup garlic butter (softened)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and olive oil.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips:
– You can also add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor.
– For a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
– This recipe makes 4-6 servings and reheats well for meal prep or leftovers.
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these mouth-watering slow cooker chicken thigh recipes! With over 20 delicious and easy-to-make options, you’ll never get bored again. From sweet and savory flavors like Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Teriyaki Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs, to creamy and indulgent dishes like Creamy Mushroom Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in Creamy Alfredo Sauce, there’s something for everyone. Perfect for busy families or individuals on-the-go, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
