Okay, so listen, I wasn’t always a crockpot believer. For years, I thought it was just some gadget my grandma used. But then, life got crazy busy, and I needed something that could cook dinner while I was, you know, *actually* living. That’s when I rediscovered the magic of slow cooking, and oh my goodness, where has this been all my life?!
And that’s how I landed on this chicken thighs crockpot recipe. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. The best part is how ridiculously easy it is. You can throw it together in, like, five minutes. And the flavor? Amazing! Plus, you can totally tweak it to your liking – spicy, sweet, savory, whatever floats your boat. I’ve been experimenting with my crockpot for over 15 years now, and trust me, this one’s a winner. It’s the perfect way to get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table with almost zero effort. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Thighs Crockpot Recipe
Okay, let’s be real – we all need dinner recipes that don’t make us want to pull our hair out, right? This chicken thighs crockpot recipe is *exactly* that. Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:
- Easy preparation: Seriously, dump and go!
- Minimal cleanup: One pot, people! One pot!
- Flavorful results: Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up.
- Customizable ingredients: Make it your own – I *dare* you!
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Set it and forget it, then come home to the smell of yum.
Effortless Weeknight Dinners with Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Forget slaving over the stove after a long day. This recipe is your secret weapon for getting a delicious, home-cooked dinner on the table without the stress. It practically cooks itself!
Ingredients for Your Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing chicken thighs crockpot recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!
- 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I always trim off any extra fat)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium is my go-to)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (use your fave! I’m a sucker for sweet and smoky)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (that umami tho!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (same goes for onion!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
Now, about that barbecue sauce – the 1/2 cup is just a suggestion! Feel free to add more if you like things extra saucy. I won’t judge!
How to Prepare Chicken Thighs Crockpot: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the lowdown on how to make this ridiculously easy and tasty chicken thighs crockpot recipe. Seriously, it’s so simple, you could probably do it in your sleep (but, uh, please don’t!).
- Place your chicken thighs in the crockpot. Yep, that’s it for step one! Just arrange them in a single layer at the bottom.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to give it a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking!
- Pour that glorious sauce all over the chicken. Make sure everything’s nice and coated.
- Now for the hard part…waiting! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and super tender. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Once it’s cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot. It should fall apart super easily!
- Serve it up! Over rice, mashed potatoes, in sandwiches…the possibilities are endless!
Psst…wanna take it to the *next* level? Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet with a little olive oil before putting them in the crockpot. It adds a little extra flavor and color. But honestly, even without this step, it’s still gonna be amazing!
Simple Steps to Delicious Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Basically, you’re just tossing the chicken thighs in the crockpot, mixing up a quick sauce, pouring it over, and letting the magic happen. Once it’s cooked, shred it up and get ready to dig in! Told ya it was easy!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs Crockpot Every Time
Want to make sure your chicken thighs crockpot is a total knockout? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:
- Brown those thighs! Seriously, it adds a ton of flavor.
- Toss in some veggies! Onions, peppers, carrots – they all work great.
- Don’t be shy with the barbecue sauce! Use your favorite, and adjust the amount to your liking.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer! It’s the best way to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
Ingredient Notes and Chicken Thighs Crockpot Substitutions
Okay, so let’s talk swapsies! Don’t have everything on hand? No sweat! This chicken thighs crockpot recipe is super flexible. For the barbecue sauce, get creative! Honey BBQ? Smoky? Spicy? Go wild! Wanna switch up the spices? Italian seasoning or chili powder would be delish! And veggies? Onions, peppers, carrots… toss ’em in! It’s *your* dinner, after all, so make it how *you* like it!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, shredded chicken thighs crockpot situation going on… now what? Rice and mashed potatoes are always a win, but don’t stop there! This stuff is killer in sandwiches or sliders. Or, how about a big ol’ salad? And cornbread? *Trust me* on that one!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Got questions about making the best chicken thighs crockpot ever? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some things I get asked all the time:
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs in this chicken thighs crockpot recipe?
Yep, totally! But just remember, you’ll probably need to cook them a bit longer. Keep an eye on that internal temperature – you want it to reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe!
What is the best barbecue sauce to use for chicken thighs crockpot?
Ooh, that’s a fun one! Honestly, any barbecue sauce you love will work. I’m partial to a good smoky one, but a sweet honey BBQ is also amazing. Experiment and find your fave!
How do I store leftover chicken thighs crockpot?
Easy peasy! Just pop the leftover shredded chicken into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. Perfect for quick lunches!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Okay, so before we dive in face-first (and I totally get if you want to!), let’s talk numbers. This is just an *estimate*, mind you, because it all depends on the exact brands and amounts of ingredients you use. But roughly, per serving (about one chicken thigh), you’re looking at:
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that this is just a ballpark, okay? But hey, at least you have *some* idea of what you’re getting into! Now go enjoy that chicken thighs crockpot goodness!
Enjoy Your Easy Chicken Thighs Crockpot Recipe!
Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you love this super simple chicken thighs crockpot recipe as much as I do! If you try it, please, *please* leave a comment and let me know what you think! Give it a rating, too! And if you’re feeling social, share a pic on your favorite platform! What variations did you try? I wanna know!
PrintChicken Thighs Crockpot: 5-Minute, Flavor-Packed Dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy crockpot chicken thighs recipe is perfect for a simple and delicious dinner. You can customize it with your favorite sauces and spices.
Ingredients
- 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot.
- You can add vegetables like onions, peppers, or carrots to the crockpot along with the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg