Juicy Crock Pot Chicken: Effortless Slow Cooker Meal (Print Version)
Make juicy, tender crock pot chicken with minimal effort. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering delicious flavor every time.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Juicy Foundation
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
→ Savory Simmer Sauce
02 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
05 -
1 tbsp honey
06 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
07 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
09 -
Salt to taste
→ Aromatic Boosters
10 -
1 yellow onion, chopped
11 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Finishing Flourish
12 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
13 -
2 tbsp cold water
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your crock pot. Scatter 1 yellow onion, chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced, around the chicken. This sets the stage for your incredibly juicy and effortless meal.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
03 -
Pour the entire Savory Simmer Sauce mixture over the chicken and aromatics in the crock pot. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged. Cover the crock pot with its lid, preparing for the slow cooking process.
04 -
Cook on low for 4 hours (240 minutes) or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable. This slow cooking method is key to achieving the "Best Crock Pot Chicken - Juicy & Effortless" texture and flavor.
05 -
Carefully remove the 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs from the crock pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
06 -
In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce for your "Best Crock Pot Chicken - Juicy & Effortless" thickens.
07 -
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve the "Best Crock Pot Chicken - Juicy & Effortless" warm, spooning plenty of the thickened sauce over each serving. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for a vibrant finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crock pot. This creates a delicious browned crust.
02 -
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
03 -
Feel free to substitute chicken breasts for thighs, though cooking time might be slightly less, and the chicken may be less "juicy." You can also use maple syrup instead of honey.
04 -
This versatile chicken is fantastic over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even tucked into warm tortillas for easy tacos or wraps.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
Measuring cups and spoons
03 -
Knife
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Small bowl
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 kcal
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
Protein: 34 g