Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

5 from 1 vote

Slow cooker chicken thighs are easy to make and are perfect for weeknight dinners! My crockpot chicken recipe is easy to set and forget, and results in juicy, tender meat each time. I love pairing it with simple sides or shredding it to make tacos, wraps, and more.

Prep Time15

Cook Time7 20

Total Time7 35

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 289kcal

Author: Samantha Erb

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