Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, seared to crispy perfection, and slow-cooked with garlic, butter, and chicken broth for an easy, comforting meal. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it delivers rich taste with minimal effort, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 4-5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4-5 chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Cooking Additions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Garnish
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning to make the spice blend. Use your hands to rub this seasoning evenly over all sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring full coverage.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin crisps up and becomes golden brown. This step adds texture and enhances flavor. Immediately transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker, arranging them skin side up to retain crispiness.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken thighs, then add the diced butter and minced garlic on top. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with rich, savory flavor as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the chicken on LOW setting for 4.5 to 5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, vibrant aroma and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the succulent, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and searing is key for crispy skin.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- You can substitute the Italian seasoning with your favorite herb blend for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
