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Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe – Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Introduction

Looking for a flavorful, family-friendly chicken recipe that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavor? This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect solution. With tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a savory honey-garlic sauce, this dish is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

Juicy & Tender – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful.
Hands-Off Cooking – Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
Rich Homemade Sauce – A sweet, savory, garlicky glaze made from pantry staples.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults will both love the flavor.
Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
¾ cup ketchup
⅓ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
3 tablespoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried mustard
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan.
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Place them skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes).
Remove from the pan and place skin-side up in the Crock Pot.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

¾ cup ketchup
⅓ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
3 tablespoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried mustard

Whisk until smooth and well blended.

3. Add to the Crock Pot

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Make sure each piece is coated well with the honey-garlic glaze.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover with lid.
Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, coating the chicken beautifully.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
Spoon the rich sauce over the chicken.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Flavor & Texture Profile

This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe delivers a satisfying balance of sweet and savory flavors:

Crispy seared skin locks in flavor before slow cooking.
Honey & ketchup add sweetness and a sticky glaze.
Soy sauce & garlic bring depth and umami.
Herbs and spices balance the dish with aromatic notes.

The result? Fall-off-the-bone chicken that’s juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, sticky sauce.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

This dish pairs perfectly with sides that soak up the flavorful sauce:

Fluffy white or jasmine rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green beans)
Egg noodles or buttered pasta
Fresh salad with light vinaigrette

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Helpful Tips & Variations

Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but reduce cook time slightly.
Extra Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Make it Thicker: For a sticky glaze, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Add grated ginger and sesame seeds for a teriyaki-style flavor.

Conclusion

This easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe is a comforting, flavorful dinner that requires little effort but delivers big results. With tender chicken, a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, and minimal prep, it’s the perfect slow cooker meal for busy families. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or veggies, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe