Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Recipe

This slow cooker chicken thigh dish combines dark meat chicken that’s simply seasoned and perfectly seared, then slow-cooked till it’s tender and juicy.

The chicken is covered in a delectable soy sauce-based mixture with a touch of garlic and your favorite hot sauce for an added kick. This is a recipe you won’t want to miss! Let’s dive into the details.

Ingredients and Preparation

Choosing Your Chicken

For this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best. The bone helps to keep the meat juicy during the long cooking process, and the skin adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Seasoning the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and coarse black pepper on both sides. This simple step sets the foundation for a flavorful dish.

Making the Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

For our delectable sauce, you’ll need:

• Soy Sauce
• Ketchup
• Minced Garlic
• Your favorite hot sauce

Mixing the Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce and ketchup. Add in the minced garlic and hot sauce, then mix all the ingredients well. Set this mixture aside, allowing the flavors to blend together while you prepare the chicken.

Searing the Chicken

Heating the Oil

Add some oil to a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. The goal is to get the oil hot enough to give the chicken a good sear.

Searing Process

Once the oil is ready, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Allow each side to sear for approximately three minutes. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip after the first three minutes to sear the other side. After about six minutes, your chicken should have a beautifully browned exterior.

Slow Cooking the Chicken

Preparing the Slow Cooker

I recommend using a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Additionally, using a rack inside your slow cooker ensures that the chicken doesn’t sit in its own fat and become soggy as it cooks.

Adding the Chicken and Sauce

Place the seared chicken thighs on the rack in the slow cooker. Next, pour the homemade garlic soy sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-covered.

Cook Time and Temperature

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the chicken. Keep an eye on the cooker, as some slow cookers may cook faster than others.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Over Rice

Once the chicken is done, serve it over a bed of white rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite a flavorful experience.

Garnishing

Garnish the dish with a touch of parsley for a pop of color and additional freshness. Serve it up with some potatoes or any side dish of your choice.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken thigh recipe is incredibly easy and delivers a different twist to the way you usually cook your chicken. The combination of the searing step and the slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy chicken with an immense depth of flavor. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. I hope you give it a try!