Description

This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe offers a flavorful and tender chicken dish cooked slowly to perfection. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme, then seared for a golden crust before being slow-cooked in a savory sauce made with chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic. The result is juicy, succulent chicken thighs with a rich, well-balanced flavor, perfect for an easy and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps achieve a better sear and seasoning adherence.
Make the seasoning rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 2–3 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This adds depth of flavor and texture.
Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.
Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Optional broil for crisp skin: For crispier skin, place the chicken thighs under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot with your choice of side such as rice, potatoes, or vegetables to complete the meal.

Notes

Boneless thighs can be used in place of bone-in, but cooking time may be shorter.
Add sliced onions or baby potatoes directly to the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American