My slow cooker chicken thighs are browned in a pan and then cooked low and slow in the crock pot until perfectly tender. I use a simple seasoning blend and fresh lemon juice to give this chicken dish a classic, satisfying flavor!
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My Family Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
My mom is one who taught me how to make these comforting slow cooker chicken thighs. Every time I make this recipe, I think about how much fun I would have with her in the kitchen preparing it. She would slice the onions, and I would squeeze the lemons. Even though it was so simple, it was such a treat doing it together.
When my husband, Ben, and I got married, my mom gifted me a crockpot so that I could recreate all of my favorite recipes that I used to make with her. Of course, chicken thighs in the slow cooker were one of the very first recipes on my list!
Now, as a mom of two myself, I love sharing this recipe with my family. I make it quite often, and it’s usually only a few weeks that will pass before either Connor or Leah asks me to make it again!
Looking for more tasty chicken thigh recipes? Be sure to check out my air fryer honey soy chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer, buffalo chicken thighs, or my Ninja Foodi chicken thighs!
Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – I usually use 6 chicken thighs, which weigh about 2 pounds in total. Bone-in chicken thighs or even chicken breasts will work as a substitute.
- Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the recipe.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the recipe with just the right amount of acidity. I prefer fresh lemon juice, but bottled will work fine too!
- Cooking oil – For browning the chicken before it goes in the slow cooker. I like to use a neutral oil, and it helps seal in all juices.
- Garlic powder – Infuses garlicky flavor evenly throughout the sauce. It adds a delicious, earthy taste.
- Onion powder – Adds warmth and savory notes to the dish.
- Paprika – Has a subtle, peppery taste and adds a beautiful dash of color.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary, and marjoram. I use a pre-made blend to make things easy.
- Salt and pepper – Enhance the taste of the chicken.
- Cornstarch – This ingredient is optional but helps thicken up the sauce!
How to Make Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
STEP TWO: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are lightly browned. This part is optional, but really helps retain the juices in the chicken and creates more flavor.
STEP THREE: Use tongs to transfer them to a slow cooker. Then add the sliced onions, lemon juice, and water to the slow cooker.
STEP FOUR: Cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
STEP FIVE: Remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water, make a cornstarch slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened. This step is optional but helps the sauce develop a wonderful texture!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- To ensure even cooking, I try to use chicken thighs that are around the same size.
- I prefer using the Low setting on my crockpot for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking! Removing the lid will release the steam, meaning it will take longer for the slow cooker to finish.
- Using a digital meat thermometer helps me ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F. It’s easy to use, and I don’t have to guess if it’s done!
- Right before serving, I skim the fat from the top of the sauce. This helps remove any extra grease and also cleans up the appearance.
Chicken Thighs in the Slow Cooker Variations and Substitutions
- For a richer sauce, I use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water as the base.
- To give this dish a spicy twist, I add red pepper flakes or hot sauce! This is my husband’s favorite way to change up the recipe.
- If I want to add some vegetables, I toss in some quick-cooking veggies like carrots or zucchini in the last few minutes. This will give them just enough time to soften without getting mushy!
- Bone-in chicken thighs with skin on can be used for a deeper flavor, but they’ll need an additional 30 to 60 minutes to cook.
- When I want to make an even quicker recipe, I substitute boneless chicken breasts and reduce the cooking time. They will cook in just 4-5 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
I love pairing these chicken thighs with simple side dishes like my roasted asparagus or rosemary mashed potatoes. The meat and sauce also taste incredible served on top of rice.
Since my kids love the combination of chicken and biscuits, I’m always happy to whip up my easy homemade biscuit recipe to go with the meal too!
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken thighs in the slow cooker?
I don’t recommend cooking frozen chicken thighs in the crock pot. The main reason is that it will take a very long time to reach a safe internal temperature… most likely a few hours longer than the standard recipe. It’s always best to use thawed chicken for slow cooker recipes.
How should I store leftover slow cooker boneless chicken thighs?
Stored in an airtight container, leftover chicken thighs can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If possible, I recommend storing the sauce and chicken separately for better results when reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
My favorite way to reheat chicken is on the stove top or in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water will help loosen up any thickened sauce. If reheating from frozen, I make sure to thaw the leftovers overnight in the refrigerator first.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
- Sirloin tip roast in the slow cooker
- Crock pot pork tenderloin
- Velveeta mac and cheese
- Crock pot pulled pork
- Crack chicken
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs about 2 pounds
- ½ cup sliced onion about ½ medium onion
- ⅔ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for thickening sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
- (optional, but recommended) Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned.
- Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker, then add the sliced onions, lemon juice, and water.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- (optional) Stir the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid and cook on High setting for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens, then serve.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs that are around the same size for even cooking.
- I prefer using the Low setting on my crockpot for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking! Removing the lid will release the steam, meaning it will take longer for the slow cooker to finish.
- Right before serving, skim the fat from the top of the sauce. This helps remove any extra grease and also cleans up the appearance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of broth or water to help loosen up the thickened sauce.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
