Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are a five-ingredient slow cooker recipe that is going to become a regular in your rotation. This recipe is so easy to make, but results in the most incredibly moist chicken.
I love simple slow cooker meals that have just a handful of ingredients as much as the next person. They make life so simple! This chicken thigh recipe is no different. With just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, you have a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. What is perhaps even better, is that this chicken thigh crock pot recipe is made totally from scratch, using my delicious Italian seasoning recipe.
The chicken thighs come out of the slow cooker perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender. You will be obsessed with how delicious this recipe is and want to add it to your regular recipe rotation.
Slow Cooker
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Here is a brief overview of how this slow cooker chicken thighs recipe comes together. Because they cook slowly in the crockpot, we can skip marinating the chicken thighs, making the hands-on time for this recipe really quick. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Sear the chicken. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the hot skillet, skin side down. Cook for five to six minutes or until the chicken easily releases from the pan and is golden brown.
- Put everything in the crockpot. Add the chicken stock and garlic, then add the chicken, skin side up, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken. Cook on low for four hours or on high for two hours, or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the thickest part of the meat.
- Serve and enjoy! Spoon some of the liquid from the bottom of the crockpot over the chicken. Top with fresh parsley if desired.
Homemade Italian Seasoning
Making your own spice blends is not only budget-friendly, it also allows you to customize the flavor and exactly what is in the seasoning. I always keep this Italian seasoning on hand for everything from Spatchcock Chicken to Cucumber Tomato Salad or for seasoning meat like these chicken thighs or ground beef. This Italian seasoning recipe makes a big batch that allows you to have it on hand anytime you want to make a great recipe.
Italian Seasoning
Cooking Temperature For Chicken Thighs
The most accurate way to know when meat is fully cooked is to use an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered fully cooked at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. While recipes will give you an estimated cook time, you will want to rely on the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thigh. It is important to check multiple chicken thighs when slow cooking, as some may cook quicker than others, and to avoid the bone as that may register as hotter than the meat itself.
Instant Read Thermometer
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat in the microwave, air fryer, or in a small skillet over low heat until heated through. Always use your best discretion with leftovers and never reheat them more than once.
FAQ
This great chicken recipe has only been tested with bone in chicken thighs. If you wanted to use boneless skinless thighs, you will want to keep in mind that they will cook faster.
Yes! But you will want to keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster. Additionally, if they are overcooked they will dry out and be unappetizing. Thighs on the other hand are more forgiving, can be overcooked, and will still be delicious.
What To Serve With Chicken Thighs
I love to pair these slow cooker chicken thigh recipes with easy sides. Here are a few ideas!
- I love this chicken recipe with a simple Arugula Salad which is what you see in the photos.
- Make some Air Fryer Asparagus for a quick and flavorful side.
- Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is another vegetable my family loves with these chicken thighs.
If you try this crockpot chicken thighs recipe or any of my other recipes, let me know what you think by leaving a comment!
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (907.18 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using table salt, use half)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (56.7 grams or 59.1 ml)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Working with the chicken thighs skin side up, sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until the chicken easily releases from the pan and is golden brown.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add the chicken stock and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken, skin side up, trying not to overlap the chicken. Sprinkle the prepared chicken with Italian seasoning.1/4 cup chicken stock, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Cook the chicken on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check more than one chicken thigh, avoiding the bone and checking at the thickest part of the meat.
- Before serving, spoon some of the liquid from the bottom of the crockpot over the chicken. Top with fresh parsley if desired.
Deborah says
We love chicken thighs and I love using my crockpot whenever I can.
This looks so good and I know already everyone will like this chicken.
Do we need to saute the garlic before it goes into the slow cooker?
Thank you can’t wait to make this!
Hi Deborah! Nope! No need to first saute the garlic.
Betty Weaver says
We enjoyed the chicken! Will definitely make it again
I’m so glad to hear that!