Are you tired of complicated recipes and endless meal prep? Craving a delicious, healthy dinner that's ready when you are? Then look no further! This recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a slow cooker is your answer. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a fantastically flavorful and tender chicken dish with minimal effort. This recipe is packed with flavor, perfect for healthy meals, and is one of the best recipes for effortless homemade cooking. Get ready to experience the ease and deliciousness of crockpot cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
Instructions:
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Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
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Layer the ingredients: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seared (or unseared) chicken thighs on top.
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Create the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
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Combine and cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. If using, add the bell peppers.
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Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and sauce to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Then, return it to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. This makes it perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or salads.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the cooking liquid and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) before returning it to the slow cooker for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki Chicken: Replace the barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken: Use buffalo wing sauce instead of barbecue sauce for a tangy and spicy twist. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a complete buffalo chicken experience!
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Omit the barbecue sauce and add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary).
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. The nutritional information is an estimate for one serving (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy and delicious boneless skinless chicken thigh crockpot recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and those busy weeknights. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, and explore the various variations to create your own perfect crockpot chicken experience! This recipe is a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes. It’s one of those simple homemade cooking recipes that will become a family favorite.