I’m always putting my slow cooker to good use. There’s something super comforting about putting everything together, taking off for the day, and coming home to the tantalizing smells of dinner ready to go on the table. And slow cookers are also great for transporting food and keeping it warm for gatherings. Recently, I’ve been cranking it up for this super easy slow cooker chicken thigh recipe. Hearty vegetables (celery, carrots, and potatoes) make it a complete one-pot meal. What a lifesaver! Chicken thighs in a slow cooker are especially good. Since they have higher fat content and are a well-used muscle, they get much more tender when slow-cooked. And that allows your seasonings to penetrate down to the bone. Yum!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs
Prep the Chicken – Prepare the chicken thighs by trimming excess skin and fat, washing, and patting them dry. Season both sides of the thighs with salt and pepper and set aside.Seasonings – Add the dry ingredients to a small mixing bowl: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well. Then generously season the chicken with the mix on both sides.Sear Chicken – Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large cast-iron skillet. Once the oil is hot, add chicken skin-side down. Sear until golden brown, 3-5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.Veggies – Put the celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker, and place the seared chicken on top of the vegetables. Then add the herbs. Make the Roux – Melt butter in the same cast-iron pan you seared the chicken, and then add flour. Mix well until the flour is fully incorporated into the oil, 1-2 minutes.Finish the Gravy – Next, add chicken broth and continue stirring until slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, then pour the sauce into the slow cooker.Slow Cook It – Cover the slow cooker and simmer (2-4 hours on the High setting or 4-6 hours on the Low setting) until the chicken and potatoes are tender.Serve – Transfer the chicken, vegetables, and some sauce to serving plates. Garnish with herbs if desired and serve.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
This incredible chicken thigh recipe for a slow cooker is ideal for making ahead. I love doubling the recipe, so I have enough to freeze too. You can refrigerate it for four days or freeze it for three months.
Serving and Storage Instructions
These chicken thighs are best steaming hot right out of the slow cooker. But you can make a big batch and reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop. Properly stored chicken lasts about four days in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
What to Serve With Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs
This one-pot wonder is wonderful on its own but also goes great with a few sides and a dessert. 😍
More Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Deliciously simple and absolutely flavor-packed, this slow cooker chicken thigh recipe is a sure keeper. Would you like more amazing slow cooker recipes? Then sign up for my newsletter for the latest and greatest.❤️ This blog post was originally published in May 2015 and has been updated with a new recipe, tips, and photos.
