Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Effortless & Flavorful Recipe

Craving a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and unbelievably easy to make? Look no further than these Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs! This recipe takes the humble chicken thigh and transforms it into a succulent, fall-off-the-bone dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, this crockpot chicken recipe is set to become a family favorite.

crispy chicken thighs in a crockpot

If you’re already a fan of quick cooking methods like air frying or pressure cooking, you might wonder about the appeal of a slow cooker. While air fryer chicken thighs and Instant Pot chicken thighs are fantastic for speed, sometimes you desire the “set it and forget it” convenience that only a slow cooker can offer. This recipe is all about letting time and low heat work their magic, resulting in chicken that’s deeply flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

As the weather cools down, hearty and comforting meals become a necessity. While slow cooker chicken stew is a classic choice, sometimes you need a versatile batch of cooked chicken for meal prepping lunches or building different dinners throughout the week. That’s where these slow cooker chicken thighs truly shine.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a Game Changer

This isn’t just another slow cooker chicken recipe; it’s designed to deliver exceptional flavor and texture with a few simple steps:

Crispy Skin Start: A quick pan-sear before slow cooking is the secret to achieving that desirable crispy chicken skin, even in a moist environment.
Flavor-Packed Dry Rub: A simple yet aromatic blend of spices ensures that every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
Slow and Low Cooking: The magic of the slow cooker is in the gentle, prolonged cooking process. This low and slow method breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in unparalleled tenderness where the meat effortlessly separates from the bone.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients to maximize flavor without any fuss:

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: These are crucial for the best flavor and juiciness. Bone-in and skin-on thighs render beautifully in the slow cooker, keeping the chicken moist and adding richness to the cooking juices. (See tips below for boneless options).
Flavorful Spice Blend: A harmonious mix of garlic powder, paprika (sweet or smoked paprika works), onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning creates a robust and savory profile that complements the chicken perfectly.
Chicken Broth: This is the cooking liquid that infuses moisture and flavor into the chicken as it slow cooks. Don’t skip the broth – it’s essential for juicy results.
Butter (or Ghee): Butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. Ghee is a great alternative for a dairy-free option, but avoid using oil as a substitute, as butter contributes to the overall taste and texture.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the savory notes of the spice blend and butter, creating a more complex and aromatic dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Making these Pioneer Woman slow cooker chicken thighs is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success:

Step 1: Seasoning is Key

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels – this step is important for crispy skin when searing. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is well coated.

raw chicken in a glass bowl with dry rub on the left and chicken pan-seared in oil on the right

Step 2: The Secret – Pan Searing for Crispy Skin

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Pan-sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin turns beautifully crispy and golden brown. This searing step adds a layer of texture and flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer with the crispy skin facing up.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, and then add the butter (or ghee) and fresh garlic cloves. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 5 hours. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Chicken thighs can vary in size, so cooking times might slightly differ. Once cooked, season with additional salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

For Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: You can adapt this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Simply coat them with the dry rub and sear them smooth-side down for about 2 minutes in the skillet. Then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for approximately 3-4 hours.
Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken. Insert it into the thickest part of a thigh, avoiding the bone, to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F.
Maximize Flavor: Before serving, spoon the flavorful cooking juices from the slow cooker over the chicken thighs. This enhances the moisture and taste, making each bite even more delicious.
Make a Gravy: Want to elevate this dish further? After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Pour the cooking juices into a saucepan and whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy. Adjust heat as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

These versatile slow cooker chicken thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:

Roasted red potatoes for a classic comfort food combination.
Roasted carrots for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Braised greens for a healthy and flavorful side.
Simple green beans, steamed or sautéed.
Fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious cooking juices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover slow cooker chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: The easiest way to reheat the chicken is in the microwave until warmed through. For a slightly more oven-like texture, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth at the bottom, cover, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

close up of a cooked chicken thigh

Enjoy the incredible ease and flavor of these Pioneer Woman slow cooker chicken thighs. It’s a recipe that delivers big on taste with minimal effort, perfect for any home cook!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe will show you how to cook chicken thighs in your crock pot! The result is juicy, tender and flavorful chicken that falls right off the bone.

4.95 from 102 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours hours

Total Time: 5 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Erin

Equipment

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Ingredients

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Instructions

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Stir the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. Use your hands to rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure they’re coated.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then place the chicken skin side down into the skillet and cook it for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy; transfer to your slow cooker skin side up.
Pour the broth into your slow cooker, then add the diced butter and garlic. Cook the chicken in LOW for 4.5-5 hours, checking the internal temperature is at 165°F before removing it. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Video

Notes

*Calories are per serving and are an estimation *Storage: store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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