Top 5 Delicious and Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes
Do you have a passion for cooking but find it challenging to make time for it during the busy workweek? Or are you looking for a way to switch up your dinner routine? Look no further than these delicious and easy crock pot chicken thigh recipes! Not only are chicken thighs a budget-friendly protein option, but they also have a ton of flavor and stay juicy when cooked in a slow cooker. From savory to sweet, there are endless possibilities for crock pot chicken thigh recipes. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors like lemon and garlic or prefer something unique like honey mustard or teriyaki, there’s a recipe for everyone. So dust off your slow cooker and get prepared to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering chicken thigh recipes.
Health Benefits of Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are a highly recommended source of protein, as they play a critical role in facilitating the growth and repair of muscle tissue. They contain a substantial amount of vitamin B6, a nutrient that assists in producing red blood cells and promotes a well-functioning nervous system for optimal health. Chicken thighs are a source of zinc, which supports a healthy immune system, and phosphorus, essential for healthy bones and teeth.
One of the biggest misconceptions about chicken thighs is that they’re unhealthy because they contain more fat than chicken breasts. While it’s true that chicken thighs have more fat, it’s mostly unsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat. Research has indicated that consuming moderate quantities of unsaturated fat can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Recipe 1: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- - 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- - ½ cup of American Grade A Honey
- - ¼ cup soy sauce
- - ¼ cup ketchup
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tsp dried oregano
- - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour sauce over chicken thighs and toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on the serving platter.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
See also: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Recipe 2: Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
- - 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- - ¼ cup olive oil
- - 2 tbsp lemon juice
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tsp dried oregano
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour sauce over chicken thighs and toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- After the chicken is finished cooking, take it out of the slow cooker and set it on the serving tray.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
Recipe 3: BBQ Chicken Thighs
- - 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- - 1 cup BBQ sauce
- - ¼ cup brown sugar
- - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- - 1 tsp paprika
- - ½ tsp garlic powder
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- Whisk BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour sauce over chicken thighs and toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on the serving platter.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and serve
Recipe 4: Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- - 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- - ½ cup soy sauce
- - ¼ cup brown sugar
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tsp ground ginger
- - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour sauce over chicken thighs and toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on the serving dish.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and serve
Recipe 5: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
- - 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- - 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- - ½ cup chicken broth
- - ¼ cup white wine
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tsp dried thyme
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, white wine, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour sauce over chicken thighs and toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- When ready, remove thighs from the crock pot and place them on the serving plate.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
Button mushrooms: These are the very ordinary type of mushroom and they have a mild flavor. They are a clever choice for this recipe because they will not overpower the other flavors.
Crimini mushrooms: These mushrooms are a darker brown than button mushrooms and they have a slightly stronger flavor. Great if you want more flavor in your dish.
Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms have a meaty, umami flavor that pairs well with chicken if you want to add a more exotic flavor to your dish.
Portobello mushrooms: These mushrooms are the large, portobello caps that are often used as a meat substitute. They have a strong, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken.
You can add any of these mushrooms to the recipe from the start. Simply add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken thighs. The mushrooms will cook down and add their flavor to the sauce.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in a Crock Pot
While chicken thighs are an excellent option for crock pot cooking, there are a few tips to remember to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
It’s essential to use bone-in chicken thighs, as they stay juicier and more flavorful than boneless chicken.
Trim any excess fat from the chicken before cooking, which can lead to a greasy texture.
Cook the chicken sparingly.
While slow cooking is great for making tough cuts of meat tender, chicken thighs can become dry and rubbery if cooked too long. Aim for a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crock pot chicken thigh recipes are a delicious and easy way to switch up your weeknight dinner routine. From sweet and savory to tangy and spicy, there are endless possibilities for slow-cooked chicken thighs. Plus, with the added health benefits of chicken thighs and the convenience of using a crock pot, there’s no reason not to try these recipes. So dust off your crock pot and get cooking!
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