Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a wonderful dish that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas. The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. As you cook, your home will smell heavenly, and your family will gather around the table, eager to enjoy this flavorful feast. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a delicious and convenient meal option that offers tender, juicy meat infused with flavors from fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This hands-off cooking method allows you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Discover how easy it is to create a comforting dish that your family will love!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in (about 1 to 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup red onion, diced (1 inch)
• 1 ½ cups carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved (quarter if large)
• 1 ear corn, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 tablespoons garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 ¼ cup unsalted chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus 4 wedges for serving
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs rosemary

Preparing the Chicken

Trim and Season

To start, trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken thighs. This will help the chicken cook evenly and give you a healthier dish. After trimming, season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This step is crucial! It enhances the chicken’s flavor right from the start.

Sear the Chicken

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle! Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Then, flip it over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step adds a beautiful color and rich flavor to the chicken. Once done, transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.

Adding the Vegetables

Layer the Veggies

Now it’s time to add the veggies! In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the diced red onion, cut carrots, baby red potatoes, corn, and roughly chopped garlic. This combination will not only add flavor but also create a colorful and appetizing dish.

Next, gently place the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. You want to create layers, allowing the juices from the chicken to seep into the veggies as they cook. To finish this layer, sprinkle the sprigs of thyme and rosemary on top. These herbs will infuse the dish with wonderful aroma and taste.

Making the Sauce

Whisk Together Ingredients

In a medium bowl, it’s time to whip up a simple sauce. Whisk together 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, the chicken stock, flour, and lemon juice. This sauce will tie everything together! Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. The liquid will help everything cook perfectly and keep the chicken moist.

Cooking

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Now, choose your cooking time! You can cook on the High setting for 2 to 4 hours or on the Low setting for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

If you like a crispy finish on your chicken, transfer the thighs to a sheet pan and place them under the broiler for a few minutes. This will give the skin a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Transfer the chicken and vegetables to serving plates. For an extra touch of flavor, you can strain the sauce and drizzle it over the dish. This sauce is packed with flavor and takes the meal to the next level. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges for that added zing!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to sear the chicken to enhance the flavor and texture. This step is important!
• Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker model and the size of the chicken thighs. Slow cookers can vary a lot.
• Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables. This recipe is versatile!

Variations

• If you want a leaner option, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
• Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and nutrition!
• Add spices like paprika or cumin for a flavor twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs and vegetables for up to 3 months. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. What sides pair well with slow cooker chicken thighs?
Consider serving with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. These sides complement the dish beautifully!

Conclusion

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is not only simple but also rewarding. This dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and robust flavors, all while allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones. Try this recipe and savor the deliciousness that a slow cooker can create! Each bite is like a warm hug, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
• Baked Buffalo Wings
• Lemon Pepper Wings

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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a hearty dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

• Total Time: 15 minute
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in (about 1 to 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup red onion, diced (1 inch)
• 1 ½ cups carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved (quarter if large)
• 1 ear corn, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 tablespoons garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 ¼ cup unsalted chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus 4 wedges for serving
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs rosemary

Instructions

• Trim excess skin and fat from chicken thighs, then season with salt and pepper.
• Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 5 minutes on each side.
• Add vegetables to the slow cooker, layer with chicken on top, and sprinkle with herbs.
• Whisk together sauce ingredients and pour over chicken and vegetables.
• Cook on High for 2-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours until chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.
• Optional: Broil chicken for a few minutes for a crispy finish.
• Serve with strained sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

Searing the chicken is crucial for flavor.
Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model.
Feel free to use your favorite vegetables.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 600
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 5
• Protein: 30
• Cholesterol: 100