Description
These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, browned to perfection, and then slow-cooked until tender and juicy. The result is moist, succulent chicken thighs that easily pull from the bone, perfect for a comforting and effortlessly delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Chicken & Cooking
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create an even spice blend.
- Season the chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both the front and back of each chicken thigh, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. In two batches, place chicken thighs skin side down in the hot pan and brown for 2-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. This step adds flavor and texture.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Pour the low sodium chicken broth into the bottom of a 2.5 to 4-quart slow cooker to help keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs skin side up into the slow cooker, arranging them so they do not overlap if possible. Overlapping is acceptable but may extend cooking time.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken thighs hot. They should be juicy, tender, and flavorful, perfect with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- These chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices for deep flavor.
- Browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances the texture and taste significantly.
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps retain moisture and flavor during slow cooking.
- If overlapping chicken in the slow cooker is necessary, add some extra cooking time to ensure doneness.
- Serve alongside vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 432 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
