Oh, hello there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: **Crock Pot Chicken Thighs**. You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal about chicken thighs?” Well, let me tell you, the answer is in the juicy goodness and the incredible ease of preparation. You can throw everything into the crock pot and forget about it for hours—a true lifesaver on those busy weeknights!
I remember the first time I made these chicken thighs; it was a chilly Sunday evening, and I wanted something cozy and comforting without spending all my time in the kitchen. I stumbled upon this recipe and felt a spark of hope! The end result was fall-apart tender chicken with a sweet and smoky barbecue glaze. It felt like a warm hug from the inside; truly, nothing beats that. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
What’s in Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
– Chicken Thighs: I recommend using bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciness they bring to the table. They’ll soak up all that delicious sauce while cooking, making them so tender.
– Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce! Whether it’s tangy, sweet, or smoky—pick something that gets your tastebuds excited. Personally, I love a good Kansas City-style barbecue sauce for its richness.
– Garlic Powder: This adds a lovely depth of flavor without the fuss of peeling fresh garlic. Total win!
– Onion Powder: A nice companion to garlic powder, bringin’ that sweet umami taste that makes everything better.
– Smoked Paprika: This gives our chicken that lovely smokiness we crave. Even if you’re not into spicy flavors, smoked paprika adds nothing too intense, just deliciousness!
– Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to any seasoning mix, they enhance all the flavors in this dish.
– Olive Oil: For searing the chicken (optional but recommended) and adding a bit of richness.
– Fresh Parsley: A touch of freshness at the end makes everything pop! Plus, it looks pretty on the plate.
Is Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Good for You?
You bet! These chicken thighs are not only delicious, but they also provide several health benefits:
– Chicken Thighs: They are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Plus, the healthy fats from the skin help keep you satiated.
– Barbecue Sauce: While some sauces can be high in sugar, if you carefully select a low-sugar option, you can still enjoy a tasty flavor without the guilt.
– Olive Oil: This heart-healthy fat is loaded with antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats. A little dash goes a long way!
Just keep in mind portion size and balance! Pairing this dish with a side of veggies or a salad can make it a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients
– 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Thighs?
1. **Prepare the Chicken**: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly seasoned.
2. **Sear the Chicken (Optional)**: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 4-5 minutes until browned. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if pressed for time.
3. **Transfer to Crock Pot**: Place the seared (or raw) chicken thighs in the crock pot. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure they are well coated.
4. **Cook**: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. **Serve**: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and place on a serving platter. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Delicious Tips and Serving Suggestions
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped onions or bell peppers to the crock pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Leftovers? No problem! Shred the chicken and toss it in a salad or use it for sandwiches later in the week.
– Pair these chicken thighs with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
I really hope you give these **Crock Pot Chicken Thighs** a try. They’re perfect for busy days or lazy weekends! Don’t forget to let me know how your batch turns out—I’m always all ears for your cooking adventures. Happy cooking!
