How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Bone In?
Making bone-in chicken thighs in your slow cooker is one of the simplest ways to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort.
To make perfect slow cooker bone-in chicken thighs, arrange them in a single layer skin side up in your Crock Pot and cook on low for approximately 4 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
You may wonder if you should brown the chicken first. While some recipes suggest pan-searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, this step is optional.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, you can create various flavor profiles using different seasonings and sauces.
Many home cooks prefer a combination of soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired dish, while others might opt for a simpler approach with just salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Bone In Recipe
Bone-in chicken thighs prepared in a slow cooker offer exceptional quality that you simply cannot achieve with other cooking methods.
The slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes outrageously tender while maintaining its moisture.
You will appreciate the minimal effort required for this recipe.
The bone-in thighs provide superior flavor compared to boneless varieties. As they cook, the bones release marrow and collagen that enrich the sauce, creating a juicy and flavorful result.
Ingredients Overview (what actually you need)
For this bone-in chicken thigh crock pot recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients that create tender, flavorful results. The star of the dish is bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on, which provide more flavor than boneless versions.
You’ll need olive oil for searing the chicken before slow cooking. This step helps lock in moisture and creates a more appealing texture.
Don’t forget to add salt and pepper for basic seasoning.
The flavor base typically includes onions and garlic. These aromatics caramelize beautifully during the slow cooking process, creating a sweet foundation for your dish.
For the sauce, you’ll need a combination of ingredients such as:
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Dried herbs (thyme, parsley)
- Onion powder
- Dried mustard
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Toasted sesame seeds
These ingredients create a simple yet effective seasoning rub that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken thighs.
If you prefer to use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead, you can still coat them in the dry rub and pan-sear them before adding to the slow cooker.
For additional flavor complexity, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or incorporating vegetables such as carrots and celery to cook alongside the chicken.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by lightly sprinkling your chicken thighs with salt on both sides to enhance flavor. This simple step helps season the meat throughout the cooking process.
Next, create a seasoning blend in a small dish.
You can use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Sprinkle this liberally over all sides of the chicken thighs.
For enhanced flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Aim for approximately 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Spray your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures easy cleanup later.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in your prepared slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
If you’re using a sauce like honey-garlic or BBQ, pour it over the chicken thighs now. Make sure the chicken is well-coated on all sides.
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set the cooking time. Cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.
Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer before serving.
Tips & Variations
When making bone-in chicken thighs in your slow cooker, proper preparation helps achieve the best results. Searing the chicken thighs before placing them in the slow cooker can enhance flavor and texture.
For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for about 4 hours on low heat. This timing allows the skin to render fat properly while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
If you prefer using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead, you can still follow a similar recipe.
Simply coat them in your dry rub and briefly pan-sear them for about 2 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
Seasoning Alternatives:
- If you don’t have dried basil available, Italian seasoning makes an excellent substitute
- Try adding honey and garlic for a sweet and savory combination
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper flavor
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair your chicken thighs with basmati rice or quinoa for a complete meal
- Steamed vegetables complement the rich flavor of the chicken
- Save the cooking liquid to make a delicious gravy or sauce
For a different flavor profile, consider a honey-garlic sauce, which is always popular with both adults and children.
FAQ about Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Bone In
1. What are the best practices for seasoning bone-in chicken thighs when cooking in a crock pot?
For optimal flavor, apply a dry rub to your chicken thighs before placing them in the slow cooker. A combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like basil or Italian seasoning creates a flavorful foundation.
2. How long should chicken thighs with bone-in be cooked in a slow cooker?
The ideal cooking time for bone-in chicken thighs is approximately 4 hours on the low setting.
If you’re monitoring internal temperature, the chicken should reach 175°F.
Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from becoming dry or stringy.
3. What vegetables pair well with chicken thighs in a slow cooker casserole?
Root vegetables are excellent companions for slow-cooked chicken thighs as they maintain their structure during long cooking periods.
4. Can you provide a healthy recipe for bone-in chicken thighs in a crock pot?
For a nutritious preparation, place 6-8 bone-in chicken thighs in your slow cooker and season with 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, garlic powder, and paprika mixed with ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper.
