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slow cooker chicken thighs

Best slow cooker chicken thighs

slow cooker chicken thighs ensures set and forget dinner convenience with crockpot chicken. Try preparing perfect meals!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Slow Cooker Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, cubed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf

Method
 

  1. Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of browning. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning blend all over each thigh, making sure you get the underside too. Don't be shy with the spices here.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about two minutes. Once it's shimmering hot, carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sit for 4-5 minutes without moving them — this is how you get that golden, crispy exterior that adds so much flavor to everything.
  3. You'll hear them sizzle and pop as they hit the pan, and that sound tells you they're searing properly. Flip each thigh and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Don't worry if they're not cooked through — that's what the slow cooker is for.
  4. Transfer the seared thighs to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the slow cooker around the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the liquid comes up about halfway on the thighs.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. I've found that six hours is the sweet spot — any longer and the meat gets stringy, any less and it's not quite as tender. If you're in a rush, high heat for 3-4 hours works, but low and slow is honestly better.
  6. When your kitchen smells like warm, caramelized chicken and herbs filling every room, you'll know it's done. Lift one thigh with a fork — the meat should fall off the bone without any resistance. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle everything into bowls, making sure each serving gets chicken, vegetables, and plenty of that rich broth. Serve immediately while everything's still steaming hot. This is comfort food at its absolute best — no fancy plating needed.