Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple and delicious way to make tender, juicy chicken with a rich, savory-sweet sauce. Made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, a homemade sauce of tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, and a blend of spices, this slow-cooked dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours, the result is a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone chicken dinner. This easy slow cooker chicken recipe is a family favorite, great for serving with rice, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon light olive oil
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
• ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken thighs.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for another 3 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to the crockpot, arranging it in a single layer.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, vinegar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well blended.
4. Add the Seasonings: To the sauce mixture, add the onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried mustard, whisking until fully incorporated.
5. Cook the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours.
6. Serve: Once cooked, garnish with extra dried parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Don’t skip browning: Browning the chicken first adds flavor and helps keep the skin slightly crispy.
• Adjust sweetness: For a less sweet sauce, reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred; just reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Swap sweeteners: Honey or brown sugar can be used instead of maple syrup for a different flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts? Yes, but adjust the cooking time, as breasts may dry out if cooked too long.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

• With rice or potatoes: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious flavors.
• Add veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, made even easier by slow-cooking. The homemade sauce combines tomato, soy, maple, and spices for a rich, tangy glaze that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Great for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare!