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.

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs

Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: 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

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