Chicken thighs are an underrated cut of meat that are full of flavor. They are juicier and more tender than chicken breasts when cooked low and slow in a crockpot. The rich, meaty thighs become fall-off-the-bone tender after simmering for hours in the slow cooker.
I love using my crockpot to make chicken thighs because it’s so easy and hands-off. Just throw the ingredients in the cooker in the morning and you’ll have a delicious home-cooked meal ready at dinnertime. No babysitting required!
In this article, I’ll share my tips for cooking foolproof chicken thighs in the crockpot. You’ll learn how long to cook them, how to prevent them from drying out, and recipe ideas to inspire your next delicious slow-cooked meal.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Thighs in a Crockpot
Chicken thighs are my favorite cut to use in the slow cooker for several reasons
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They stay moist and tender: The low, slow cooking environment of the crockpot prevents the chicken from drying out. The collagen in the thighs breaks down into gelatin, keeping them juicy.
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More flavor Chicken thighs have more fat and collagen than chicken breasts, resulting in deeper, richer flavor
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Very forgiving: Chicken thighs are hard to overcook in the crockpot. Even if cooked longer than recommended, they won’t turn out dry and stringy.
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Convenient: Once assembled, you can leave the crockpot alone for hours while the chicken cooks unattended. Perfect for busy schedules!
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Cost effective: Chicken thighs are often cheaper than breasts. You get delicious home-cooked food on a budget.
Tips for Crockpot Chicken Thigh Success
Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your slow cooker chicken thighs turn out perfectly cooked and full of flavor:
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Use bone-in, skin-on thighs – The bones and skin prevent drying out and add tons of flavor.
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Cook 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high – These general guidelines ensure fully cooked, tender meat.
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Don’t cook from frozen – Always thaw chicken thoroughly before crockpot cooking to prevent foodborne illness.
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Add liquid – Broth, sauce, or water keeps the chicken moist. Use 1/2 – 1 cup liquid per 1 lb of chicken.
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Brown them first – Quickly browning the thighs adds flavor and helps render fat from the skin.
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Arrange in a single layer – Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
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Use a thermometer – Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute evenly.
How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in a Crockpot
Cooking time can vary based on the specific crockpot model, size of thighs, and quantity cooked. Use these general time ranges as a starting point:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs:
- Low: 4-6 hours
- High: 2-3 hours
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs:
- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
The thickness of the thighs can extend cooking time. Larger, thicker thighs may need up to 10 hours on low.
Checking temperature and visual cues like fork tenderness are the best way to assess doneness. Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Delicious Crockpot Chicken Thigh Recipes
Chicken thighs pair well with all kinds of ingredients and global flavors. Here are some of my favorite recipes:
BBQ Chicken Thighs – Classic barbecue flavor from a homemade sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots – A complete meal with tender chicken and veggies simmered in a savory broth.
Jerk Chicken Thighs – Infused with the vibrant flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning – garlic, onion, allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers.
Chicken Cacciatore – Chicken braised with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs for a rustic Italian dish.
Chicken Thighs in Peanut Sauce – An African peanut stew made creamy with coconut milk and simmered chicken thighs.
Thai Red Curry Chicken – Fragrant red curry paste flavors chicken cooked with tender vegetables in coconut milk.
Chicken Adobo – A Filipino classic combining garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves and black pepper.
FAQs About Making Chicken Thighs in the Crockpot
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
It’s not recommended. Always thaw chicken fully in the refrigerator before cooking to prevent bacterial growth in the “danger zone” temperature range.
How can I crisp up the skin?
Broil the cooked thighs for 3-5 minutes at the end. You can also brown them in a skillet before slow cooking.
Do I need to add liquid?
Yes, the liquid prevents drying out. Use broth, sauce, or water. Add 1/2 – 1 cup per 1 lb. of chicken.
What if the thighs are pink after the recommended time?
Continue cooking until the internal temperature is 165°F. Visual cues like fork tenderness also indicate doneness.
How can I thicken the cooking liquid into a sauce?
Remove chicken and stir cornstarch slurry into the liquid. Replace chicken and cook 10 more minutes until thickened.
Can I flavor the thighs differently?
Absolutely! Customize with endless herbs, spices, sauces and marinades. Get creative with your own signature flavor profiles.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Store cooked chicken thighs for 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving leftovers.
Get Perfectly Cooked Crockpot Chicken Thighs Every Time
Now you have all the tools you need for cooking irresistibly juicy, tender chicken thighs in the slow cooker. This hands-off method results in flavorful chicken and convenient homemade meals.
Remember to use bone-in thighs, add plenty of liquid, and cook for the recommended times based on your specific crockpot model. Vary up the seasonings and sauces for endless tasty possibilities.
Satisfy your family with amazing crockpot chicken thigh recipes like BBQ, jerk, cacciatore, curry and more. Enjoy the convenience of coming home to a complete meal of delicious chicken and vegetables after a busy day.
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?
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.