Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible, tender chicken aroma that practically melts in your mouth! These Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are about to revolutionize your dinner routine, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for foolproof recipes, or someone who craves maximum flavor with minimum preparation, this dish is your ultimate culinary lifesaver!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then generously coat each thigh with the prepared seasoning mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the crock pot, creating a liquid base for cooking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and fully cooked through.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs using a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crock pot and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer thighs to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzling some of the cooking liquid over the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning - this helps the spices adhere better and creates a more flavorful crust.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and rich flavor. The bones help retain moisture during slow cooking.
- Don't skip the optional broiling step! Those extra 2-3 minutes can transform your chicken from soft to gloriously crispy.
- If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to your seasoning blend.
- Avoid lifting the crock pot lid too frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and can significantly extend cooking time.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with white wine or apple cider for a more complex flavor profile.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
