Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Effortless Flavor

Looking for a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman-inspired slow cooker chicken thighs recipe. Tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a flavorful sauce – it’s practically foolproof! This dish is perfect for busy days, as you can simply throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Use your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Serve the chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and comforting meal.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe Card

This mouth-watering recipe from Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, yields tender and juicy chicken thighs with a rich, flavorful sauce.

• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (3-4 lbs)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to 160°C (325°F).
2. In the slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high).

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

To make the Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves 6-8 and can be adjusted according to preference.

The core ingredients include:

• 1.36 kg / 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 240 g / 1 cup chicken broth
• 120 g / 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp / 30 g olive oil
• 1 tsp / 5 g dried oregano
• 1 tsp / 5 g garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Optional ingredients for added flavor:

• 1/4 cup / 30 g chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup / 30 g crumbled bacon
• 1 diced bell pepper

These ingredients will come together to create tender, flavorful chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low at 82°C / 180°F or high at 93°C / 200°F, depending on the desired cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Get ready for incredibly tender and juicy chicken thighs with these simple slow cooker instructions. This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman and delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture evenly over 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a 6-quart (5.7 L) slow cooker.
3. Create the Sauce: In the same bowl used for the seasoning, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
4. Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook Time: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Check for Doneness: An internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the chicken thigh indicates doneness.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and serve them hot with the flavorful sauce. Enjoy them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or coleslaw.

Pro Tips for Cooking Pioneer Woman-Approved Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Get the most out of your slow cooker chicken thighs with these expert tips and tricks.

1. Brown Before You Cook

Take a few extra minutes to brown those chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth to the dish.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker

Leave enough space between each chicken thigh to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in a less flavorful dish.

3. Liquid Levels Matter

Make sure the liquid level in your slow cooker is at least 1/2 inch above the chicken. This helps to prevent drying out and ensures tender, juicy results.

4. Avoid Overcooking

Slow cookers can be prone to overcooking. Check the chicken after 6-8 hours and remove it when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This ensures tender, fall-apart meat without overcooking.

5. Let it Rest

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Substitutions and Alternatives for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

To add some variety to the Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe, consider the following substitutions and alternatives:

• Replace 240 g / 1 cup of chicken broth with an equal amount of white wine for added depth of flavor.
• Swap 15 g / 1 tablespoon of paprika with smoked paprika for a smokier flavor profile.
• Use 120 g / 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier taste.
• For a spicy kick, add 5-7 g / 1-2 teaspoons of diced jalapeños to the slow cooker.

When making substitutions, keep in mind that flavor profiles may vary. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper accordingly to balance the taste. Cook the chicken thighs on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, at a temperature of 82°C / 180°F to 93°C / 200°F.

Delicious Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow cooker chicken thighs are a blank canvas for flavor! Here are a few ideas to take your dish to the next level:

Mexican Fiesta

Spice things up with a Mexican twist. Add 1 diced onion, 1 bell pepper, and 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies to the slow cooker. Season with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro before serving.

Honey Garlic Glazed

For a sweet and savory delight, whisk together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Pour over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.

Creamy Mushroom Dijon

Add a touch of elegance with mushrooms and Dijon mustard. Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in butter until softened. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ cup chicken broth, and ½ cup heavy cream. Pour over the chicken thighs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

After your slow cooker chicken thighs have finished cooking, it’s essential to store and reheat them safely to maintain their flavor and texture.

Storing Cooked Chicken Thighs

• Allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature within 2 hours.
• Transfer the cooled chicken to an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the refrigerator at 4°C (39°F) or below for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Cooked Chicken Thighs

1. Reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure food safety.
2. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, covered with a lid to prevent drying out.
3. Check the chicken’s internal temperature regularly to avoid overcooking.

When reheating, it’s best to avoid microwaving multiple times, as this can lead to uneven heating and a loss of flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

When cooking Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs, some common issues may arise. Fortunately, most problems have simple solutions. Overcooking, underseasoning, and uneven cooking are just a few of the challenges that can be easily addressed.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Overcooking: Check the chicken thighs for doneness at 6 hours on low (90°C / 194°F) or 3 hours on high (100°C / 212°F). If they’re cooked through, remove them from the slow cooker to prevent drying out.
• Underseasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning after 4 hours of cooking. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to enhance the flavor.
• Dry Chicken: Ensure the chicken thighs are covered with liquid, such as chicken broth or sauce, to maintain moisture. If using a sauce, add 120 ml / 1/2 cup of liquid for every 450 g / 1 pound of chicken.
• Uneven Cooking: Stir the chicken and sauce halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking. If some thighs are cooking faster than others, remove the cooked ones and continue cooking the remaining thighs.

By being aware of these common issues and their solutions, you’ll be able to achieve tender, flavorful Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs every time. Remember to always check the chicken’s internal temperature, which should reach 75°C / 165°F for food safety.

Nutrition Information for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This slow cooker chicken thighs recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s also relatively healthy.

Each serving provides approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat. The recipe is a good source of lean protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Serving size: 1 thigh

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g

This recipe is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Get the answers to your most pressing questions about cooking delicious and tender chicken thighs in a slow cooker.

• Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs in a slow cooker?

  A: Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in a slow cooker. However, bone-in chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.

• Q: What’s the ideal slow cooker temperature for cooking chicken thighs?

  A: The ideal temperature for cooking chicken thighs in a slow cooker is between 160°C (320°F) and 180°C (356°F).

• Q: Can I cook chicken thighs on high or low in a slow cooker?

  A: Both high and low settings work well for cooking chicken thighs. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours yields tender and juicy results.

• Q: Can I add frozen chicken thighs to a slow cooker?

  A: It’s best to thaw frozen chicken thighs before adding them to a slow cooker to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Key Takeaways from the Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe offers several valuable lessons for achieving tender and flavorful results. The slow cooker method allows for effortless cooking, with the chicken thighs emerging juicy and fall-apart after 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

• Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance the texture and flavor.
• Use a mixture of onion, garlic, and spices to create a rich and aromatic sauce.
• Cook the chicken thighs in a slow cooker with 240 ml / 1 cup of chicken broth and 120 g / 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce for added moisture and flavor.

By following these key takeaways, the resulting dish will be cooked to perfection, with the chicken thighs reaching an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F. This recipe is a prime example of the Pioneer Woman’s approach to slow cooker recipes, emphasizing simplicity, flavor, and ease of preparation.

A Little Something Special

This recipe for slow cooker chicken thighs is one of my absolute favorites. It’s so incredibly easy, yet the results are always tender, flavorful chicken that practically falls off the bone. I love how versatile it is, too! Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even just with a simple salad.

I’ve found that using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs really makes a difference in the flavor and texture. The bone helps to keep the chicken moist, and the skin gets crispy and delicious in the slow cooker.

1. Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! I love using a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, but you can really use any herbs and spices you like.
2. Another Tip: If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch and two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy!

Conclusion: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe Success

This slow cooker chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks. With minimal prep time and tender, fall-apart results, you’ll be hooked from the first bite. The combination of rich flavors and ease of preparation makes it a perfect addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Try it tonight and discover a delicious, stress-free dinner solution that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Explore more slow cooker recipes, like our Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stew or Korean BBQ Beef Tacos, for endless inspiration.