Mohamed Shili Another one of my delicious yet easy Slow Cooker recipes is this slow-cooked Chicken Thighs by Pioneer Woman, made with chicken thighs, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and ginger. This savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe creates a dinner that takes about 6 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
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Can You Cook Chicken Thighs In A Slow Cooker
Absolutely, you can cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker. Slow cooking is one of the best methods to cook chicken thighs. This technique produces super tender meat that can be easily shredded or pulled apart.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy chicken thighs, check out my friend’s amazing collection of 90+ Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes. It’s full of great ideas, whether you want to serve them in tacos, over rice, or in another delicious dish.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs(skin on or skinless)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp freshly minced ginger
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
- Juice of 1 lime
- Cooked rice, for serving
How To Cook Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the beautifully browned chicken to your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, ginger, Sriracha, and lime juice. Ensure the honey is fully dissolved to create a smooth, even sauce.
- Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, making sure each thigh is well coated. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours or on high for about 2 hours. The chicken is ready when it is tender and no longer pink inside.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and some of the delicious cooking sauce over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Optionally, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to maximize flavor and juiciness throughout the slow cooking process.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip searing the chicken thighs; this step locks in flavors and gives the chicken a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut all chicken thighs to roughly the same size to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your preference for spice levels without altering the overall flavor balance.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly minced garlic to enhance the flavors in your sauce, ensuring a bright and bold taste.
What To Serve With Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs pairs well with quinoa pilaf, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, and cucumber salad. It also can be served alongside garlic sautéed spinach, creamy polenta, roasted asparagus, and a tangy apple slaw for a refreshing and hearty meal.
How To Store Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Refrigerate: Cool the Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs completely. Then, either cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. First, wrap them tightly with aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or use a freezer-safe container. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.
In The Microwave: Put a portion of the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chicken to an air fryer-safe container. Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overheating or drying out.
Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (Serves 3):
- Calories: 1148
- Fat: 69g
- Saturated fat: 18g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 378mg
- Sodium: 2456mg
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 33g
- Protein: 71g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 76mg
- Iron: 5mg
- Potassium: 1165mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long To Slow Cook Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs should be slow-cooked for approximately 5 to 6 hours on low heat or about 2 hours on high heat. This cooking time ensures that your chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and fully cooked, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish. Chicken thighs can be cooked both fast and slow, and will give the same result if you follow the recommended cooking time.
Can You Overcook Chicken Thighs In A Slow Cooker
Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken thighs in a slow cooker, just cook them for 1 hour longer on low and the meat will become so tender that it falls off the bone easily. This can be ideal for dishes that require pulled or shredded meat. However, be careful not to cook it for too long as it can become dry and lose its flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs In Slow Cooker
Using frozen chicken thighs directly in a slow cooker is not recommended due to safety concerns. It’s essential to thaw chicken thoroughly to ensure even cooking and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method.
Should I Use Bone-in Or Boneless Chicken Thighs?
For slow cooker recipes, bone-in chicken thighs are preferable as they provide more flavor and tend to be juicier than boneless cuts. Bone-in thighs also maintain their texture better during the long cooking process, making them ideal for slow cooking.
Try More Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
- Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings
- Slow Cooker Chicken And Broccoli
- Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Description
Another one of my delicious yet easy Slow Cooker recipes is this slow-cooked Chicken Thighs by Pioneer Woman, made with chicken thighs, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and ginger. This savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe creates a dinner that takes about 6 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the beautifully browned chicken to your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, ginger, Sriracha, and lime juice. Ensure the honey is fully dissolved to create a smooth, even sauce.
- Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, making sure each thigh is well coated. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours or on high for about 2 hours. The chicken is ready when it is tender and no longer pink inside.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and some of the delicious cooking sauce over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Optionally, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
Made this last night and it was sooo freaking good!! There are so many flavors compared to other boring chicken recipes. Will be making this ALL THE TIME. I doubled the recipe and followed everything exact except did a little less siracha (3 TB instead of 4 TB when doubled) and it was the perfect amount of heat!!