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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Craving a mouthwatering, stress-free dinner? These slow-cooker chicken thighs are fall-apart tender and smothered in a bold, sweet-savory sauce—all with just 15 minutes of prep! Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, then come home to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready to be served over rice.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp freshly minced ginger
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, Sriracha, and lime juice.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

  • Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve the chicken over cooked rice, spooning extra sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

 

Recipe Tips

  • Searing for Extra Flavor – While optional, searing the chicken adds depth and enhances the texture. Skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
  • Customizing the Heat – Adjust the Sriracha based on your spice preference, or omit it for a milder taste.
  • Make it a Meal – Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp side salad.
  •  Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

 

What to Serve With Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

  • White Rice – The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Sautéed Vegetables – Try garlic broccoli rabe or caramelized Brussels sprouts for a nutritious side.
  • Asian Slaw – A crunchy, tangy side dish that balances the richness of the chicken.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 1148 kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 71g | Fat: 69g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 378mg | Sodium: 2456mg | Potassium: 1165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 5mg | 
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