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Tender Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs

tender crockpot chicken thighs - featured image

A reliable, slow-cooked chicken thigh recipe that is fall-apart tender and infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this set-it-and-forget-it meal requires minimal prep and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 6 to 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced or crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim excess fat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is well-coated. Let sit for 15 minutes if time permits.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker insert.
  5. Place coated chicken thighs into the pot in a single layer, skin-side up.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  7. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and meat is tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
  8. Remove chicken with tongs. Serve immediately with juices spooned over the top, or broil for 2-3 minutes for crispier skin.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW. The skin may become chewy when refrigerated; reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker dinner, chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, garlic chicken, comfort food, meal prep