If you're craving chicken that's melt-in-your-mouth tender and astonishingly flavorful, these Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs will be your new go-to! The meat practically falls off the bone, bathed in a rich, savory sauce that tastes like you've been simmering away all day-with almost zero effort.

What sets this recipe apart is just how simple it is. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you'll have a deeply comforting, one-pot dinner the whole family will devour. It's perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday meal prep, or whenever you want an effortless crowd-pleaser.

This is one of my family's all-time favorites. It's inspired by classic homestyle braises but with the convenience of the slow cooker. Trust me: once you try it, you'll have it on repeat!

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs on a plate

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Gets dinner on the table with minimal effort-just set it and forget it!
Delivers exceptionally juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Makes a comforting, hearty main perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Easily customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe, bringing rich flavor and juicy, tender texture that shines in slow cooking. Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum succulence and taste, but boneless or skinless will still work beautifully. If using frozen thighs, be sure to thaw them fully for even cooking.

Onion

Sliced onion melts into the sauce, infusing the whole dish with deep, savory sweetness. For best results, use a yellow or sweet onion and slice it thinly so it cooks down nicely. Red onion or even shallots can add a slightly different flavor profile if you prefer.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds essential aromatic depth and warmth to the sauce. Mince or crush your garlic cloves for bold flavor impact. If you're short on time, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh makes the dish sing.

Chicken Broth

A splash of chicken broth keeps everything moist and helps create the delicious pan sauce. Go for low-sodium broth to control the salt level, especially since you'll be seasoning the chicken. Vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch but may yield a milder flavor.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds umami richness and a touch of saltiness. It makes the sauce savory and satisfying. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching salt intake, or try tamari for a gluten-free option.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs cooking process

Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels for crispy skin and even seasoning. Rub them all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Massage the spices into the skin for maximum flavor.

Layer the Aromatics

Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a delicious bed for the chicken to rest on and infuse the sauce with aromatic goodness.

Add the Chicken and Sauce

Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture all over the chicken.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is supple and reaches 175-185°F internally. Chicken thighs are very forgiving, so a little extra time won't hurt!

Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you love a thicker gravy, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking, then let it bubble gently until thickened.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving. Spoon some of the luscious sauce over each thigh for the ultimate comforting bite.

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love a little heat? Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when you add the soy sauce mixture. For a smoky kick, use chipotle powder instead of regular paprika.

Go Lemon-Herb

Brighten things up by squeezing in the juice of half a lemon and adding a teaspoon of lemon zest with the broth. A handful of fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or dill at the end wakes up all the flavors.

Sweet and Tangy Glaze

Swap out the brown sugar for honey and add two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for a unique, sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the slow cooker.

Veggie Boost

Tuck chopped carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms under the chicken before cooking for a complete one-pot meal. They'll soak up all the delicious chicken juices and come out irresistibly tender.

Gluten-Free Option

Make this gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy cooked rice, or egg noodles to soak up all that incredible sauce. Add a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots to round out the meal. Don't forget an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of the sauce for an irresistible finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm chicken thighs with sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot, or microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving. Freeze portions (with sauce) for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may thicken slightly after chilling; add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (FAQ)

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of bone-in?

A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs cook a bit faster and are just as delicious, though the sauce may be slightly less rich since the bone and skin add extra flavor.

Q: Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

A: Searing is optional. It adds a deeper golden color and flavor to the skin, but the recipe works perfectly without it for maximum ease.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to fit two layers. You may need to add an extra 30-60 minutes of cook time for the larger batch.

These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are the ultimate fuss-free dinner-so comforting and flavorful that everyone comes back for seconds! I can't wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen. Give this easy recipe a try, then leave a comment or rating below to let me know what you think!