If you're on the hunt for mouthwatering chicken thigh recipes that practically cook themselves, you're in for a treat. With just a slow cooker and some tasty ingredients, you can whip up dishes like Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs and creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs. Sounds good, right? But that's just the beginning. Let's explore these five incredible recipes that'll have your family asking for seconds!
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that turns your slow cooker into a magical appliance, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a delightful glaze that improves the tender chicken thighs as they cook low and slow. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe delivers a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a slow cooker, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create the sauce.
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they're well-coated with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once done, you can serve the chicken thighs with the sauce spooned over the top and garnish with sliced green onions.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker; this will improve the flavor and give them a beautiful color.
If you want a thicker sauce, you can transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a complete meal. Enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with rice, quinoa, or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs are a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauce with tender chicken thighs. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully while you go about your day.
Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, and you'll come home to a mouthwatering meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
In the slow cooker, layer the chicken thighs at the bottom, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once done, shred the chicken gently with two forks and stir to combine with the creamy sauce before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
This step is optional but can improve the comprehensive taste.
Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Serve your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs over pasta or with a side of garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Thighs
BBQ chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dish to prepare in a slow cooker, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender while absorbing all the sweet and tangy flavors of the barbecue sauce.
By using bone-in, skin-on thighs, you'll achieve a juicy and flavorful meal that pairs well with a variety of sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for about 5 minutes until they're golden brown.
Once seared, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over the top.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For a caramelized finish, you can broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
If you prefer a spicier BBQ chicken, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to verify the chicken is cooked safely.
Leftovers can be shredded and used in sandwiches, salads, or tacos for a quick meal!
Spicy Chicken Thighs With Peppers
Spicy chicken thighs with peppers is a vibrant and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a medley of colorful bell peppers and a kick of spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and layer the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top.
Pour the diced tomatoes over everything, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Extra Tips:
For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spices and olive oil for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer spices according to your taste.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs once they're cooked, and let the sauce simmer uncovered on high for about 15-20 minutes.
Finally, don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for an added burst of flavor and color!
Chicken Thighs in Mushroom Sauce
Chicken thighs in mushroom sauce are a hearty and flavorful dish that makes for a perfect comfort meal. Cooking this dish in a slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and infused with the rich flavors of mushrooms and a creamy sauce.
This recipe is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delectable sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
In a slow cooker, place the chicken thighs skin-side up. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic around the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, soy sauce, and sprinkle the dried thyme over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and the sauce is bubbly. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Stir the sauce well and serve the dish garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an extra depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step can improve the overall flavor of the dish.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and color!