Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs make a delicious and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends! Chicken thighs cooked in a slow cooker become tender and juicy, coated in a thick, flavorful sauce made with garlic, honey, and soy sauce, making it a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 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)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down until golden. Remove from the pan and place skin-side up in the slow cooker.
2. Whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, honey, garlic, onion powder, dried thyme, parsley, and mustard in a medium bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
4. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the sauce from the slow cooker, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.

5 tips to make your Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs even better:

1. Sear the Chicken First: While optional, searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker helps lock in flavor and adds a crispy texture to the skin. It also enhances the overall richness of the dish.
2. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey. For a more savory flavor, increase the soy sauce or garlic.
3. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay moist and tender while cooking. The skin also adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.
4. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor: You can add some chopped vegetables (like carrots, onions, or bell peppers) to the slow cooker along with the chicken. They’ll absorb the flavorful sauce and make the meal more hearty.
5. Don’t Overcook: While the slow cooker is forgiving, be mindful of the cooking times. Overcooking can result in overly soft chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking time for tender but not mushy chicken.

Conclusion:

• This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With tender, juicy chicken and a rich, savory sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the comforting, hassle-free goodness of slow-cooked chicken.