This slow cooker chicken thigh recipe is incredibly easy to make. You will have flavorful, juicy and delicious chicken thighs ready to enjoy soon.
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If you are looking for a great meal option that is budget friendly and comes together with minimal prep then this slow cooker chicken thighs bone in recipe is perfect. The slow cooker does all the work for you just like in these slow cooker beef tips and this slow cooker pepper steak recipe.
These slow cooker chicken thighs are so flavorful and juicy. They are seasoned with fragrant spices, tangy mustard and lime juice to taste mouthwatering. You will never go back to plain chicken thighs again. The slow cooker makes this task even easier because you can dump and go.
Chicken thighs are so versatile and go with a variety of side dishes. Some of my favorites to pair with to make a complete meal are these green beans with garlic butter and this sweet potato.If you like chicken thighs, you might like to also try these boneless chicken thighs with honey mustard and these BBQ boneless chicken thighs.
Ingredients
Use a clear shot of the ingredients for this recipe, prepped, and labeled if necessary. Insert the ingredients into the list below, omitting quantities.
- Chicken thighs: I recommend using either bone-in or boneless.
- Chicken broth: The thighs will cook in this and absorb the flavors.
- Butter: Adds flavor. Use unsalted or salted depending on preference.
- Garlic powder: Hints of garlic flavor throughout the broth.
- Paprika: I used sweet paprika but smoked will work well too.
- Mustard: Regular yellow mustard adds hints of tanginess.
- Lime juice: Just a splash for lime flavoring.
- Black pepper and salt: To taste.
- Fresh parsley and lime wedges: For garnish.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Let's get our chicken thighs and seasoning ready to make this delicious meal. Follow the simple steps below.
Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, mustard, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Melt butter in a skillet and sear thighs until golden.
Transfer to slow cooker, add chicken broth, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving
Hint: Chicken naturally releases juices as it cooks, so just a small amount of broth is enough to keep the dish moist and flavorful without becoming watery.
Variations
- Make them spicy: Add some red pepper chili flakes, chili powder or cumin to the spice mix to give them a little heat.
- Add a sweetener: Turn up the sweetness a bit by adding in a little honey or maple syrup to contrast the tanginess of the mustard.
- Change the citrus: In place of the lime juice, use lemon or orange juice to change up the flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Round out the meal by adding potatoes, carrots, and any other hearty vegetables to the slow cooker alongside the chicken.
- Make in the Instant Pot: Season the chicken. Place in the instant pot to "sauté" mode. Sear 2-3 minutes each side. Add in the chicken broth the chicken thighs. Seal the lid and set the valve to "sealing". Cook on high pressure boneless thighs 7-8 minutes, bone-in thighs 10-12 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally at 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
You can also make air fryer chicken thighs using the same spice blend.
Tips
Top tip: Fully coat each individual chicken thigh using your hands to make sure each piece is generously covered.
- Use chicken thighs that are boneless or bone in. Both will turn tender and juicy. You can also use whole legs for a slow cooker chicken legs recipe.
- Sear outside of chicken before placing in the slow cooker. This helps the outside stay crispy.
- Add chicken broth. Don't skip this step. This will keep the chicken thighs juicy and adds loads of flavor to them as the chicken absorbs the broth.
- Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve. Spoon the juices and broth from the slow cooker over the chicken thighs when serving. Top with fresh parsley and a lime wedge.
Serving suggestions
If you know how to make the recipe fit a certain diet, let the reader know This slow cooker recipe using chicken thighs is a very versatile dish. So many side dishes go well with chicken. You can easily make a complete meal by pairing with these braised Brussels sprouts or this oven baked asparagus.
I enjoy these slow cooker chicken thighs with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a salad such as this broccoli salad or this green bean tomato salad.
If you are thinking more casual, you can turn these chicken thighs into a sandwiches by placing an individual thigh between two slices of a bun. It will pair well with these sweet potato fries or these home fries.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place in the microwave oven or back into a 350°F oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Thighs are preferred because they are a lot juicier, but you can certainly still use chicken breasts if that's what you have on hand.
It is best as this helps seal the flavors in from the seasonings along with helping to create a richer flavor for the broth.
You can use a vegetable broth or water to keep the chicken juicy.
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Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, mustard, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sear thighs until golden.
- Transfer to slow cooker, add chicken broth, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Connie says
This is a great recipe! I put the mustard and lime juice, (increased to 1 tsp) in with the chicken broth. Everything else was the same. Served it with roasted root vegetables! Thanks for a the recipe!
Mindy says
I just made it for the first time I have Curtis Stone to court slow cooker. It only took an hour and a half. It came out like chicken soup lol but it’s delicious.
Paul Kirker says
Would a two quart slow cooker work for this recipe?
Lisa MarcAurele says
Yes. There should be enough room in a 2-quart for this downsized recipe.