Chicken thighs are an amazing cut of meat to cook in the crock pot. They come out incredibly moist, tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking. But exactly how long should you cook chicken thighs in the crock pot to achieve the best results?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to nail perfectly cooked crock pot chicken thighs every time.
The Benefits of Cooking Chicken Thighs in a Crock Pot
Chicken thighs are ideal for the crock pot for a few key reasons
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They have more fat and connective tissue compared to chicken breasts. This keeps them moist during the long cooking time.
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The dark meat has a richer flavor that gets infused into the sauce or braising liquid.
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The crock pot environment gently breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in very tender and pull-apart meat.
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You can use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor without drying out the meat.
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The low, slow cooking gives you a huge window of time before the thighs become overcooked. It’s a very forgiving cooking method.
General Crock Pot Chicken Thigh Cooking Times
As a general guideline, here are the typical crock pot cooking times for chicken thighs:
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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs:
- On Low: 4-6 hours
- On High: 2-3 hours
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Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs:
- On Low: 6-8 hours
- On High: 3-4 hours
The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and the juices run clear. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors can impact exactly how long chicken thighs take to cook in the crock pot:
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Size of thighs – Larger, thicker thighs need more time than smaller, thinner pieces.
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Bone-in vs boneless – Bones conduct heat slower, increasing cooking time.
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Frozen vs thawed – Only cook thawed chicken thighs, not frozen.
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Quantity of thighs – Overcrowding increases overall cooking time.
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Crock pot model – Old or low-powered models may cook slower.
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Fill level – More or less liquid changes time needed.
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Other ingredients – Dense veggies increase time.
Given all these potential variables, checking for doneness is better than relying solely on cooking time.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Chicken Thighs in a Crock Pot
Follow these simple steps for foolproof crock pot chicken thighs:
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Choose your thighs – Bone-in, skin-on for max flavor or boneless, skinless for convenience.
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Trim excess fat – This reduces greasiness.
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Season the thighs – Use salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder or paprika.
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Brown if desired – Quickly brown for richer flavor (optional).
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Add aromatics – Onion, garlic, herbs etc boost flavor.
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Pour in liquid – Chicken broth, tomatoes, wine, etc.
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Place thighs in crock – Arrange in a single layer if possible.
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Cover and cook – Cook on Low or High based on time available.
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Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer for guaranteed safety.
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Shred and serve – Pull apart with forks and serve over rice, pasta, in tacos etc.
Flavorful Sauce and Seasoning Ideas
The sauce or braising liquid is key for adding lots of flavor. Consider using:
- Tomato-based sauces like marinara or salsa
- BBQ sauce, teriyaki, soy sauce
- Wine, stock, broth
- Fruits like pineapple, mango, apples
- Spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika
- Herbs like cilantro, basil, thyme, rosemary
Mix and match wet and dry seasonings to create signature flavor profiles. A simple go-to is salt, pepper and paprika or cajun seasoning.
Handy Crock Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes
If you need some recipe inspiration, here are two delicious flavor combos to try:
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Serve over rice.
Salsa Verde Chicken – Use a jar of salsa verde for Southwestern flavor. Excellent in tacos.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and spice blends. The crock pot makes it easy to infuse chicken thighs with amazing flavor.
FAQs About Cooking Chicken in a Crock Pot
Can you put frozen chicken thighs directly in the crock pot?
No, always thaw them first. Frozen chicken takes too long to cook through safely.
Should you sear or brown the thighs first?
It’s optional but recommended for better flavor and color.
How much liquid should you add?
About 1/2 – 1 cup per pound of chicken. Too much liquid will make it bland.
What temperature should chicken thighs reach?
165°F (74°C) minimum internal temperature for food safety.
Get Perfectly Cooked Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Every Time
Now you’re armed with all the knowledge needed to nail delicious crock pot chicken thighs. Follow the guidelines for your preferred doneness, seasoning generously, and use a thermometer for guaranteed success. Happy slow cooking!
Set it and Forget It
Turn your slow cooker on and cook the chicken on low until the meat shreds easily when you stir it with a spoon, about eight hours. Or if you want to speed things up a little you can cook on high for about six hours.
Just Add Sauce
For every pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs, pour one cup of sauce into your slow cooker. This can be any kind of store-bought or homemade sauce you love that wont be destroyed by slow cooking. Think tomato sauce, or jarred salsa (I love using salsa verde), BBQ sauce, mole sauce, or one of those jarred Indian simmer sauces.
If you feel like your sauce needs an extra flavor boost, you can add aromatics like herb sprigs, bay leaves, garlic cloves, or dried chiles to the slow cooker too, but if you start with a good sauce you really shouldnt have to. Were trying to keep things as simple as possible here, right?