If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself, these Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need. With juicy chicken simmered in a buttery garlic sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food recipe. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and come back to a cozy meal that’s ready when you are. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is proof that garlic and chicken were meant to be together.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I first started making this recipe on days when I didn’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen but still wanted something hearty and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming chicken thighs into tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness while garlic and butter create a rich sauce that tastes like it took hours of effort.
What makes it even better is how versatile it is. You can serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, and the garlicky sauce doubles as a perfect drizzle. Much like my 3-Ingredient Emergency Chili, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create meals that feel special without being complicated.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs simmered in a buttery garlic sauce. A true dump-and-go recipe that’s perfect for weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tbsp butter, melted
6 garlic cloves, minced (or whole for mellow flavor)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Place chicken thighs into slow cooker, skin-side up.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, and chicken broth. Pour over chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through (74 °C / 165 °F).
5. (Optional) Transfer thighs to baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes to crisp skin.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.
Notes
Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional.
For a lemon-garlic twist, add the juice of one lemon before cooking.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the sauce develops more depth.
Store in fridge up to 3 days, reheat gently on stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: slow cooker garlic chicken, crockpot chicken thighs, dump and go chicken
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (or whole if you like mellow flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Step by Step Preparation
Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Step 2: Place chicken thighs into the slow cooker, skin-side up.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken reaches 74 °C (165 °F) and is fork-tender.
Step 5: If you want a crispier skin, transfer cooked thighs to a baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Garnish with parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread to soak up the garlic sauce.
Tip: Much like my Fall-Favorite Hearty Chili, this dish makes amazing leftovers, as the sauce flavors deepen overnight.
Keys to the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
Don’t Skip the Butter
The butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully and balances the garlic’s bold flavor.
Broil for Extra Flavor
If you love crispy skin, broil the thighs for a few minutes after cooking in the slow cooker to add texture without losing tenderness.
Flavor Variations
Lemon Garlic Twist
Add the juice of one lemon for a zesty, fresh flavor that brightens up the sauce.
Herb Lovers’ Garlic Chicken
Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to give the sauce a more fragrant, earthy profile. It’s as comforting as my Copycat Wendy’s Chili when you want cozy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes—boneless thighs work well but may cook faster. Check for doneness at 2.5–3 hours on HIGH.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
It’s optional. Searing adds flavor and color, but if you want true “dump and go” convenience, skip it.
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying out. Breasts are less forgiving than thighs.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of ingredients and a “set it and forget it” method, you get tender chicken and a buttery garlic sauce that transforms any side dish into a cozy dinner. Add this recipe to your rotation alongside easy favorites like Best Beef Chili with Pantry Ingredients for nights when you want something hearty without any hassle.