Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (5-Ingredient Recipe)

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. With only 5 simple ingredients, it creates tender, juicy chicken with rich flavor and minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Just set it and forget it — the slow cooker does all the work!

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (5-Ingredient Recipe)

  • 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 2–2.5 lbs)

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)

  • 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar for a richer taste)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

(Optional garnish: chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or green onions)

 Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper (optional, since soy sauce adds saltiness).

  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.

  3. Slow cook: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker, pour sauce over them, and cover with lid.

  4. Cook on:

    • Low for 6–7 hours, OR

    • High for 3–4 hours.

  5. Thicken sauce (optional): Remove chicken, pour sauce into a saucepan, and simmer with 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water slurry until thickened. Pour back over chicken.

  6. Serve: Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

 Notes

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work — reduce cooking time slightly.

  • Chicken drumsticks can be swapped in with no adjustments.

  • For a spicy kick, add 1–2 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes.

  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and freeze up to 3 months.

Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker — arrange chicken in a single layer for even cooking.

  • Crispier finish? Broil cooked chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes before serving.

  • Meal prep hack: Double the sauce and use leftovers as a stir-fry base or glaze for veggies.

  • Healthier swap: Use low-sodium soy sauce and honey instead of sugar.

Servings

  • Makes 6 servings (1 chicken thigh per serving).

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 220

  • Protein: 22g

  • Fat: 10g

  • Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Fiber: 0g

  • Sugar: 9g

  • Sodium: 540mg

(Varies with ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Benefits

  • Easy & Quick: Only 5 pantry-staple ingredients.

  • Nutritious: High in protein, moderate carbs, and healthy fats.

  • Versatile: Pairs with many side dishes.

  • Family-Friendly: Mild, savory-sweet flavors loved by kids and adults.

  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps well and reheats perfectly.

 Q&A

Q1: Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
👉 Yes, but reduce cooking time to 2.5–3 hours on high or 5 hours on low to avoid drying out.

Q2: How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?
👉 Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.

Q3: Do I need to brown the chicken first?
👉 Not required, but searing for 2–3 minutes per side before slow cooking adds richer flavor.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
👉 Yes! Carrots, baby potatoes, or bell peppers work well. Add them at the beginning so they cook through.

Q5: What’s the best way to serve this dish?
👉 Over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or with roasted vegetables on the side.

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