Description
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked low and slow with smoked turkey bacon, aromatic herbs, and a savory mix of garlic, onions, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for effortless, flavorful family meals with customizable options and minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- Red pepper flakes or chipotle powder, for a spicy kick
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, for a sweet and savory twist
- Fresh herbs like basil or tarragon, to brighten flavors
- Root vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes), chopped, for a vegetable boost
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispier skin if finishing in a pan. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and cut smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onions and smoked turkey bacon slices at the base of the slow cooker to build a flavorful foundation. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on top so the fat and juices can baste the meat as it cooks.
- Add the Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle minced garlic, mixed dried herbs, salt, and pepper over the chicken thighs. Carefully pour the apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce over all the ingredients to add moisture and depth without overwhelming the flavors.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The low and slow method ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat.
- Optional Finish: If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) over the chicken thighs during the last 10 minutes of cooking or briefly broil to melt and brown the cheese for a creamy, bubbly topping.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps reduce excess moisture and improves skin texture.
- Bone-in thighs retain more flavor and moisture than boneless, but boneless can be used.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper near the end, as slow cooking can mellow flavors.
- Layer hearty root vegetables under the chicken to cook evenly and keep meat moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free dinner, one pot meal, family meals