Delicious Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs: Easy & Tender
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat22gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on (choose fresh, plump thighs with no fridge odor)800 g
- Olive oil (extra virgin for flavor and quality)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best for aroma)3 piece
- Onion, sliced (medium size)1 piece
- Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)250 ml
- Salt (sea salt or kosher salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Dried thyme (or substitute with dried rosemary for a different aroma)1 tsp
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)1 tsp
This slow-cooked chicken thighs recipe is designed for busy home cooks seeking a tender, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Using common ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy juicy chicken thighs cooked to safe internal temperatures guaranteed by the slow cooking method. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 (8.5€ / £7.5 / ₹820) for 4 servings, with roughly 350 calories per serving. The recipe fits well into a standard balanced diet and takes about 10 minutes of prep and 4 hours of slow cooking, with easy execution level. Suitable for everyday meals and beginner-friendly.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken thighs
1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up slightly during cooking. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Brown the chicken thighs
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Browning locks in flavor but is optional if in a hurry.
Prepare the slow cooker
3Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This adds flavor and prevents sticking. Pour in the chicken broth evenly over the onions.
Add chicken thighs to slow cooker
4Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer, skin side up. Cover the slow cooker with the lid securely.
Slow cook the chicken
5Cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone, to check for doneness. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 74°C (165°F). Cooking longer on low will create more tender meat.
Check and serve
6Once the chicken reaches the safe temperature, carefully remove the thighs and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute for moist, tender chicken.
Cooking Tips
1To avoid cross-contamination, always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
2If your slow cooker lid doesn’t seal well, occasionally check moisture levels and add more broth if needed.
3For a crispy skin, you can briefly broil the cooked chicken thighs in the oven for 3-5 minutes before serving—watch carefully to avoid burning.
4Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker to make a one-pot meal.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or Crock-Pot
- Skillet or frying pan (for browning, optional)
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on (around 800 g) - $6: Choose fresh, plump thighs with no off smell for best flavor and safety.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, small bottle) - $3: Look for cold-pressed labels for better taste.
- [ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - $0.50: Fresh and firm cloves have the best aroma.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - $0.30: Choose onions that are firm without sprouting.
- [ ] Chicken broth (250 ml) - $1: Low sodium varieties allow better flavor control.
- [ ] Seasonings: salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika - usually pantry staples.
Total Approximate Cost: $10 (8.5€ / £7.5 / ₹820)
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs work well too but will cook faster. Reduce slow cooking time by about 30 minutes and check for internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Do I need to brown the chicken thighs first?
Browning is optional but recommended as it adds depth of flavor and color. If short on time, you can skip browning and slow cook directly.
How do I know when the chicken is safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe when it reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery work well and cook nicely with the chicken.