If you’re after a comforting and delicious meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, these crock pot chicken thighs are the answer. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a hands-off cooking method, resulting in tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when you want a homemade dinner without all the fuss. Served over rice or paired with vegetables, it’s a satisfying option your family will love again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A rich, flavorful sauce that balances sweet, salty, and garlicky notes
Minimal prep time with effortless slow cooker convenience
Great for prepping meals ahead or enjoying as a no-stress dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These cuts are perfect for slow cooking because they become incredibly tender and flavorful.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken before slow cooking, it adds richness and helps develop color.
Salt and pepper: Basic yet essential seasonings to enhance the taste of the chicken.
Minced garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic base that makes the sauce shine.
Ketchup: Offers a tangy depth and thickness that helps the sauce cling to the meat.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
Honey: Brings sweetness to balance the savory elements of the sauce.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a touch delivers a nutty aroma and extra complexity.
Cornstarch and cold water: Combined to create a slurry that thickens the sauce at the end of cooking.
Sesame seeds and fresh cilantro: Added as a garnish for a touch of crunch and brightness.
Green onions: Sprinkle on top just before serving to add freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
This recipe is all about ease. Browning the chicken at the beginning adds extra flavor, but it’s not a requirement. The sauce comes together quickly and gets poured over the chicken, which then cooks low and slow until it’s juicy and infused with flavor. A cornstarch slurry is stirred in at the end to give the sauce a perfect glossy finish.
If you’re tight on time, skip the browning step and add the seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker with the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil on high. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear each side for around 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden brown. - Place Chicken in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned thighs to the base of your crock pot, spacing them evenly. - Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until well combined. - Add the Sauce to the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. - Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. - Mix Cornstarch Slurry
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. - Add Slurry to Sauce
Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir gently into the sauce. - Cook for Another Hour
Let the mixture continue to cook for one additional hour. The sauce will thicken into a rich glaze. - Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and green onions before serving.
Helpful Tips
Browning the chicken enhances flavor, but it can be skipped to save time.
Bone-in thighs can be used, though you may need to adjust the cook time.
Make sure the slurry is fully blended before adding to prevent clumps.
To spice things up, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Details
Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and garlicky
Texture: Soft, tender chicken in a thick, sticky sauce
Occasion: Excellent for casual dinners or prepping meals in advance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Notes
You can swap the honey for maple syrup to switch up the flavor.
Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can be used as an alternative.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 279 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 708 mg |
| Potassium | 518 mg |
| Vitamin A | 105 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.8 mg |
| Calcium | 14 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should chicken thighs cook in a crock pot?
Typically, they cook well on LOW for about 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The lower setting delivers a more tender texture.
Is it better to use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs in a slow cooker?
Boneless thighs are easier to prepare and cook slightly faster, while bone-in thighs can bring a bit more flavor.
Do chicken thighs need to be browned before slow cooking?
No, but doing so can enhance the flavor and texture. It’s a great step if you have a few extra minutes.
Can chicken thighs overcook in a crock pot?
Yes, especially if left on HIGH for too long. Stick to the recommended cooking times to avoid dry or shredded texture.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs | Easy & Flavor-Packed Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Tender slow-cooked chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. A comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a pan and season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 4–5 minutes.
2. Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating all pieces evenly.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. Combine cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry.
7. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and gently stir into the sauce.
8. Continue cooking for another hour until the sauce thickens.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, and green onions before serving.
Notes
Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Skip the searing step to save time, though it adds extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 279
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 708
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
Conclusion
These crock pot chicken thighs are an ideal blend of simplicity and great taste. The balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning meals ahead of time, this slow cooker favorite is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel effortless while still delivering big on taste.