Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

This slow-cooker chicken thigh recipe provides a delightful blend of flavors and a tender, juicy result. The use of a slow cooker makes the process effortless, while the ingredients impart a sweet and tangy taste that is irresistible. It's perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or when hosting guests.

Photos of Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items, but you might need to check for a few special items. Sriracha, a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, might not be available in every kitchen, but it's worth the extra trip to the supermarket. Its spicy and tangy flavor makes a big difference in this dish. Also, ensure you have low sodium soy sauce and a good quality ketchup as these are integral to the recipe's flavor.

Key Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Extra virgin olive oil: Used to brown the chicken before slow cooking.

Chicken thighs: The star of the dish; they will become extremely tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Used for seasoning.

Low sodium soy sauce and ketchup: Forms the base of the sauce.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tangy and salty flavors.

Garlic and ginger: Provide a depth of flavor.

Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

Lime juice: Adds a hint of acidity and freshness.

Rice: Serves as the base for the chicken thighs, soaking up all the delicious sauce.

One reader, Josh Dupuis says:

This slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful, and the sauce is just the right balance of sweet and savory. It's so easy to prepare and makes for a delicious, hassle-free meal. I highly recommend trying it out!

Josh Dupuis

Cooking Techniques for Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

How to prepare the chicken thighs: Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.

How to make the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the low sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha, and lime juice. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

How to cook in the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken thighs on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

How to serve: Serve the slow-cooker chicken thighs over rice, spooning the sauce over the top. Enjoy!

How To Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

With this slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe, you just need to season chicken thighs with spices and sear and add a flavorful sauce for a tasty finish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 6 hours

Total: 6 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspextra virgin olive oil
6chicken thighs,bone-in or boneless
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
½cuplow sodium soy sauce
½cupketchup
¼cuphoney
3garlic cloves,minced
2tspginger,freshly minced
2tbspSriracha
1lime juice
rice,cooked for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear until golden for 3 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, Sriracha, and lime juice. Pour sauce over chicken and toss until coated.
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 hours, until no longer pink.
Serve over rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 1056.47kcal
Fat: 68.87g
Saturated Fat: 18.13g
Trans Fat: 0.33g
Monounsaturated Fat: 30.11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.96g
Carbohydrates: 41.04g
Fiber: 1.02g
Sugar: 32.23g
Protein: 68.55g
Cholesterol: 378.28mg
Sodium: 2207.12mg
Calcium: 62.12mg
Potassium: 1119.64mg
Iron: 3.71mg
Vitamin A: 99.89µg
Vitamin C: 7.18mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

When preparing your chicken thighs for this recipe, it's important to remove the skin. This will prevent your dish from becoming too greasy as it cooks in the slow cooker. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a pan with a bit of olive oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This will give your chicken a nice, caramelized exterior and add depth to the overall taste of the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut vegetables or pre-trimmed meats to reduce prep time.

One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of the recipe and freeze the extra portions for future quick meals.

Invest in kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like a food processor or slow cooker to streamline the cooking process.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe, offering a similar dark meat flavor and texture.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and flavor enhancement to the dish.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos can be used as a soy sauce alternative, providing a similar umami flavor with a lower sodium content.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be used as a substitute for ketchup, offering a concentrated tomato flavor without the added sugars and vinegar found in ketchup.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, providing a similar level of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, offering a convenient alternative with a milder flavor profile.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a similar warm and aromatic flavor to the dish.
sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce can be used as a substitute for sriracha, offering a similar spicy and garlicky flavor to the dish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the recipe.
rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for rice, offering a nutty flavor and a higher protein content to the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Elevate the plating: Arrange the slow-cooked chicken thighs on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, ensuring each piece is positioned with precision and care.
Garnish with flair: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped scallions and a delicate scattering of sesame seeds to add a pop of color and texture.
Drizzle with a glaze: Artfully drizzle a reduction of the savory soy-ketchup-honey sauce over the chicken, allowing it to cascade gracefully onto the plate.
Incorporate citrus: Add a touch of brightness with a zesty squeeze of fresh lime juice over the chicken, enhancing the flavors and providing a visually appealing element.
Embrace symmetry: Ensure that the components of the dish are thoughtfully arranged to create a balanced and visually pleasing presentation.
Consider the negative space: Utilize the empty spaces on the plate to create a sense of elegance and sophistication, allowing the dish to breathe and the elements to shine.
Use complementary colors: Introduce vibrant and complementary colors through the use of fresh herbs or edible flowers to enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Thighs in a Slow Cooker

Extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality oil used for cooking and dressing dishes.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures.
Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the chicken thighs while cooking.
Measuring cup: Used for accurately measuring liquid ingredients.
Garlic press: Used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
Grater: Used for grating ginger to add flavor to the dish.
Knife: Used for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Spatula: Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Citrus juicer: Used for extracting juice from the lime.
Rice cooker: Used for cooking the rice to serve with the chicken thighs.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Let the chicken thighs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the chicken thighs, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through.
If you want to freeze the chicken thighs with the sauce, make sure to cool the sauce completely before pouring it over the chicken. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery when thawed.
You can also freeze the rice separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water per cup of rice and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
If you have leftover lime juice or garlic, you can freeze them in ice cube trays for future use in recipes. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and label with the date.

How To Reheat Leftover Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the chicken while ensuring it's heated through evenly.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become dry and tough.
If you want to add a crispy texture to your reheated chicken thighs, try using an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method is perfect for those who love a crispy exterior on their chicken.
For a stovetop option, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method is great for those who want to add a little extra flavor to their reheated chicken.
If you have leftover sauce from the original recipe, you can reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the sauce is heated through, pour it over the reheated chicken thighs for an extra burst of flavor. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy the full flavor of the original recipe.

Interesting Trivia About Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron and zinc. They are also a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, making them a popular choice for many home cooks.

Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

The cost-effectiveness of this slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thighs, soy sauce, and ketchup, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dish yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and flavorful outcome.

Is This Chicken Thighs Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients. The use of ketchup and honey adds a significant amount of sugar to the dish, which can contribute to excess calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly. Additionally, the soy sauce, even though it is low sodium, still contains a considerable amount of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health concerns when consumed in excess.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the ketchup with a low-sugar or sugar-free tomato sauce to reduce the overall sugar content
Swap the honey with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract to minimize added sugars
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the sodium content while maintaining a similar flavor profile
Increase the amount of garlic and ginger, as they offer numerous health benefits and can enhance the dish's flavor without the need for excessive salt or sugar
Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the slow cooker to boost the nutrient content and provide a more balanced meal
Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense carbohydrate source

By making these adjustments, you can transform this slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe into a healthier, more nutrient-packed meal that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

This slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The tender chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and lime juice. The result is a mouthwatering dish that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a truly satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. It's a simple yet impressive dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Enhance Your Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze

Fruit Salad: Fresh and vibrant fruit salad with a zesty citrus dressing

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: Roast a variety of colorful vegetables with garlic, parmesan, and herbs for a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Marinate pork tenderloin in a tangy balsamic glaze and roast until juicy and tender for a delicious and easy dinner option.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Create a creamy and tropical chia pudding by combining ripe mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds for a refreshing dessert or breakfast option.

Spicy Thai Coconut Curry Soup: Simmer together coconut milk, Thai curry paste, and an assortment of vegetables and protein for a rich and spicy soup that's perfect for a cozy night in.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs will leave everyone wanting more.

Bruschetta: Start your meal off with a burst of freshness and flavor with these classic bruschetta bites. The juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze will awaken your taste buds.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky golden crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Why trust this Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe:

This slow-cooker recipe guarantees succulent chicken thighs infused with a harmonious blend of soy sauce, ketchup, and honey. The aromatic trio of garlic, ginger, and sriracha adds depth and heat, while a splash of lime juice brightens the flavors. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. Trust the balance of flavors and the convenience of slow-cooking to deliver a satisfying meal every time.

Share your thoughts on this slow-cooker chicken thighs recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How long should I cook the chicken thighs in the slow cooker?

You should cook the chicken thighs in the slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe. However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can become dry if overcooked, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I substitute the low sodium soy sauce with regular soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute low sodium soy sauce with regular soy sauce, but be mindful of the salt content. You may need to adjust the amount of salt added to the dish to avoid over-seasoning.

Is there a substitute for sriracha if I don't like spicy food?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the sriracha with a small amount of chili paste or omit it altogether. This will still give the dish a nice flavor without the heat.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later. The flavors tend to meld together even more when reheated, making it a convenient dish for meal prepping.