Description

Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, slow cooker chicken thighs are the kind of no-fuss comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a meal prep hero, this recipe offers the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. With minimal prep and the magic of low-and-slow cooking, the chicken turns out succulent and infused with spices that melt into a savory, comforting sauce. Perfectly suited for both beginners and seasoned home cooks, slow cooker chicken thighs can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or with your favorite roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Paprika
Olive oil
Thyme
Rosemary
Salt

Pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken thighs on both sides until browned.
Layer the Ingredients: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared (or raw) chicken on top.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Pour over the chicken.
Add Herbs: Sprinkle thyme and rosemary over everything.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.

Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor, but it’s optional.

Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker—use a single layer of chicken if possible.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

Thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a gravy-like consistency.

For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food