Chicken thighs are the best cut for the slow cooker: they are affordable, full of flavor, and stay juicy even if dinner runs late. These crockpot chicken thigh recipes use boneless thighs (5 to 6 hours on LOW) unless noted.
Bone-in thighs work too; add about 1 hour.
Quick Picks
- Best takeout-style: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Best curry: Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Best budget dinner: Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
12 Crockpot Chicken Thigh Recipes
1. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Sticky, glossy thighs in honey, soy sauce and garlic.
Get the full crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe
2. Crockpot Butter Chicken
Add 2 lb (900 g) boneless thighs cut in chunks, 1 diced onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp curry powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt and 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp butter. Serve over rice.
3. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Whisk 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 cloves garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger. Pour over 2 lb (900 g) boneless thighs and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Thicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch slurry and top with sesame seeds.
4. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Shredded thighs in a tangy BBQ sauce.
Get the full crockpot bbq chicken recipe
5. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Thighs make the juiciest taco meat.
Get the full crockpot chicken tacos recipe
6. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Thighs add richness to the creamy broth.
Get the full crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe
7. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Thighs make a more flavorful broth than breasts.
Get the full crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe
8. Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Bone-in thighs on top of baby potatoes and carrots. LOW for 6 to 7 hours.
Get the full chicken thighs and potatoes recipe
9. Honey Soy Chicken Thighs for Two
A small-batch version for a 2 to 3-quart crock.
Get the full honey soy chicken thighs for two recipe
10. Salsa Verde Chicken Thighs
Cook 2 lb (900 g) boneless thighs with 1 1/2 cups salsa verde, 1 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp salt on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Shred for tacos or bowls.
11. Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Season 2 lb bone-in thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder and 1 tsp dried oregano. Add 1/2 cup broth and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook on LOW for 6 hours and broil 3 minutes to crisp.
12. Crockpot Chicken Curry
Cook 2 lb (900 g) boneless thighs with 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger and 1 tsp salt on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Stir in 2 handfuls of spinach and serve with rice.
Tips for Crockpot Chicken Thighs
- Boneless vs bone-in. Boneless: 5 to 6 hours on LOW. Bone-in: 6 to 7 hours.
- Cook them past 165°F. Thighs are safe at 165°F, but most tender at 175 to 185°F.
- Trim the fat. Remove large pieces of fat so the sauce is not greasy.
- Skinless is best. Slow cooker skin stays soft; broil if using skin-on.
Equipment I Used
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- 360-degree rotating spice rack: keeps every spice within reach.
Planning a busy week? The Slow Cooking for Busy Days guide covers time-saving slow cooker recipes and meal planning.
Crockpot Chicken Thigh Recipes FAQ
How long do chicken thighs take in a crockpot?
Boneless thighs take 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH. Bone-in thighs take about 6 to 7 hours on LOW.
Are thighs better than breasts in the slow cooker?
For most recipes, yes. They stay juicy and tender with long cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
No. Thaw them first.
Do chicken thighs need liquid in a crockpot?
A little sauce or broth is enough; they release plenty of juice.
