Here’s a simple, flavorful crock pot chicken thighs recipe that’s easy to follow and perfect for a busy day:
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4–6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust for soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Layer in crock pot:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. Lay the chicken thighs on top. - Mix the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the chicken. - Cook:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
The chicken should be tender and cooked through (internal temp ~165°F / 74°C).
- Optional – thicken sauce:
Remove chicken and whisk 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch with a little water, then stir into crock pot. Turn on high for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens. - Serve:
Serve the chicken with sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Bone-in thighs stay juicier; boneless works too but cook slightly less.
- Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for a one-pot meal.
- For a caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes after cooking.
If you want, I can also give you a quick 5-ingredient ultra-simple version that takes almost no prep. Do you want me to do that?
