Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly, flavorful cut of meat perfect for slow cooking. This crock pot chicken thigh recipe guarantees tender, juicy results every time, leaving you with delicious chicken ready for a variety of meals. Whether you're a seasoned crock pot cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistently excellent results.
Why Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
Slow cooking chicken thighs in a crock pot offers several advantages:
- Tenderness: The low and slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender chicken.
- Flavor Infusion: The long cooking time allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the seasonings and other ingredients.
- Convenience: Simply toss everything into the crock pot, set it, and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatility: Cooked chicken thighs can be used in countless recipes, from salads and tacos to soups and casseroles.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (or other desired sauce)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Sear the chicken (optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in a skillet with olive oil before adding them to the crock pot. This step helps to brown the chicken and develop a richer flavor. However, it's perfectly acceptable to skip this step if you're short on time.
- Combine ingredients: In your crock pot, combine the chopped onion and minced garlic. Place the chicken thighs on top.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and BBQ sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Shred (optional): Once cooked, you can shred the chicken using two forks for easier serving in tacos, salads, or sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Thighs:
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like! Sweet baby ray's, Kansas City style, or even a homemade recipe will work wonderfully. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes! If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by about an hour.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. You should also be able to easily shred the chicken with a fork.
What can I do with leftover crock pot chicken thighs?
The possibilities are endless! Use leftover chicken in tacos, salads, soups, casseroles, or sandwiches. You can also freeze it for later use.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans, during the last hour of cooking.
This recipe provides a foundation; feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your perfect crock pot chicken thigh dish! Enjoy!
