Crockpot chicken thighs are a game-changer when it comes to easy, comforting meals that don’t skimp on flavor. These tender, juicy cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking, absorbing rich spices and sauces while you go about your day. Whether you’re coming home to a busy schedule or just want a fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug, these recipes deliver every time.
This collection of 12 crockpot chicken thighs recipes brings together a variety of mouthwatering options—from classic herb-infused dishes to bold international flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. You’ll find recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, all designed to make your life simpler without sacrificing taste.
Each recipe is crafted to maximize the slow cooker’s magic, turning humble chicken thighs into savory, satisfying meals that pair beautifully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fluffy rice. Plus, these dishes are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or pantry staples, so you can make them your own.
Dive in and discover how these cozy, flavor-packed crockpot chicken thigh recipes can become staples in your dinner rotation, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table all year round.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs are a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken thighs and earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy nights, as it requires minimal prep work and allows your slow cooker to do the hard work for you.
The combination of flavors is simply delightful, with the mushrooms adding a savory depth and the creamy sauce making every bite feel indulgent. Whether served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (any variety)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides. This step adds flavor but is optional.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the browned chicken thighs on top, followed by the sliced mushrooms.
- Add the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and additional salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and mushrooms.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the creamy goodness over rice, pasta, or with bread!
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey garlic chicken thighs are a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, making them a favorite for cozy dinners. With juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce, this dish is simple yet delicious, perfect for any night of the week.
Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve over rice or with a side of veggies for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and ground ginger until well combined.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic mixture over them, making sure they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal, spicy BBQ chicken thighs are a fantastic choice. Bursting with flavor, this dish combines the rich taste of tender chicken with a zesty barbecue sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. Plus, using a crockpot makes it incredibly easy to prepare—just set it and forget it!
This recipe not only promises a delightful dinner but also fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, these spicy BBQ chicken thighs will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot and mix it with the sauce, serving it hot with sides of your choice.
Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs are the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with a creamy coconut sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The spices create a warm and inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen, and it’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to whip up.
The rich coconut milk complements the chicken beautifully, while vibrant veggies add a fresh touch. It’s a comforting dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Lay the chicken thighs on top.
- In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk and red curry paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, soy sauce, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, over rice or with naan for a complete meal.
Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your dinner table, Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are a great choice. This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with bright, tangy flavors from olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Plus, it’s super simple to make in your crockpot, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience.
The rich spices and savory ingredients meld together beautifully as they cook, making every bite a taste of the Mediterranean. Serve it with some warm crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add Ingredients: In the crockpot, layer the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and green olives around the chicken. Sprinkle the minced garlic and crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a simple yet delicious dish that brings comforting flavors to your dinner table. The combination of garlic, buttery goodness, and savory Parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making dinner prep a breeze.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The juicy chicken thighs soak up all the flavors as they slow-cook to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Crockpot Cooking: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour the butter and Parmesan mixture over the top, ensuring they are covered.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes!
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Teriyaki chicken thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Japan right to your dinner table. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that adds a delightful depth of flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights since it requires minimal prep time and lets your crockpot do the work.
The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a rich glaze that pairs beautifully with rice and steamed vegetables. Whether you serve it with broccoli or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Shred the chicken if desired, and return it to the crockpot to coat it with the sauce. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs offer a delightful combination of zesty citrus and fragrant herbs, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and comforting. This recipe is super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
The chicken thighs become wonderfully tender and juicy as they cook in the crockpot, infused with the bright flavors of lemon and herbs. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour any remaining marinade over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your cozy, flavor-packed dinner!
Chipotle Chicken Thighs
Chipotle chicken thighs are a fantastic dish that brings a touch of smoky spice to your dinner table. These juicy thighs are infused with rich flavors from chipotle peppers, garlic, and savory spices, making them irresistibly tasty. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare in a crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of tender chicken, zesty chipotle, and a hint of sweetness creates a flavorful experience everyone will love. Serve them with tortillas, avocado slices, or over rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and cozy.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- In the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the mixture in the crockpot. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors that make for a comforting and satisfying dinner. This simple recipe uses chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender during cooking, paired with a rich honey mustard sauce that adds the perfect zing.
The best part? You can prepare this dish in your crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. It’s a hassle-free option for a cozy dinner, and your family will love the taste!
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Brown the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Add to the Crockpot: Place the browned chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the chicken, drizzle with extra sauce from the crockpot, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans!
Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs
Sweet and sour chicken thighs are a delightful mix of bold flavors that make for a cozy dinner option. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, tangy pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers creates a dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together in a crockpot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe delivers a tasty balance of sweetness and acidity, with a rich sauce that coats each bite of chicken. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the crockpot.
- Add the Vegetables: Layer the pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and onion on top of the chicken.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once done, shred the chicken if desired and serve over rice.
Italian Herb Chicken Thighs
This Italian Herb Chicken Thighs recipe brings the comforting flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a savory blend of herbs and tomatoes, creating a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. It’s a simple dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
The combination of aromatic herbs like basil and oregano with rich tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering experience. This recipe not only fills your home with inviting aromas but also promises a flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, basil, and oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the contents to your crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once done, serve the chicken over your favorite pasta or rice, garnished with fresh basil.
Final Thoughts
With these 12 crockpot chicken thighs recipes, you’ll never have to compromise on taste or convenience. They’re perfect for busy days and chilly evenings alike, offering hearty, satisfying meals with minimal effort. Embrace the slow cooker magic and enjoy dinners that are both cozy and bursting with flavor.