20 Flavorful Crockpot Chicken Thigh Recipes for Busy Weeknights

recipesforlife

April 13, 2025

Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Look no further! Crockpots are a busy person’s best friend, and when combined with delicious chicken thighs, they can create a world of flavor. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering crockpot chicken thigh recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

From sweet and savory to spicy and tangy, these recipes will spice up your dinner game without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs or adventurous like Curry Coconut Crockpot Chicken Thighs, we’ve got you covered.

So go ahead, grab your crockpot, and get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds begging for more. In this article, we’ll dive into each of the 20 recipes, sharing step-by-step instructions and tips to help you create a meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this sweet and savory crockpot recipe! Tender chicken thighs are smothered in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s perfect for serving with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add chicken thighs to the crockpot and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the crockpot and serve hot, spooning some of the honey garlic sauce over the top.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

BBQ Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Pineapple

BBQ Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Pineapple
Elevate your slow cooker game with this sweet and tangy BBQ chicken recipe, featuring tender thighs smothered in a pineapple-packed sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh pineapple chunks, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour the BBQ-pineapple mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the crockpot and brush with any remaining sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh pineapple chunks.

Cooking Time: 3-8 hours

Creamy Mushroom Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Creamy Mushroom Crockpot Chicken Thighs
A rich and savory dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe combines the flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and cream for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz of sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
– 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
2. In a crockpot, combine the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the crockpot and stir to combine.
4. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the mushroom mixture in the crockpot.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

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

Spicy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Peppers

Spicy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Peppers

Spicy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Peppers

This recipe is a flavorful and spicy twist on classic chicken thighs, perfect for a busy day. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine chicken thighs, diced tomatoes with green chilies, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks before serving. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time:

Low: 6-8 hours, High: 3-4 hours

Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs infused with the brightness of lemon and the warmth of herbs, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and thyme.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a crockpot and pour the lemon herb mixture over them.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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

Teriyaki Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Broccoli

Teriyaki Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, made easy by using a crockpot. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a teriyaki sauce and served with steamed broccoli make for a delicious and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 3 cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
2. Add chicken thighs to the crockpot and coat with the teriyaki mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to the crockpot.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this easy and flavorful recipe for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Thighs. With just a few ingredients, you can create tender and juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and Parmesan cheese.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

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

Mexican Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Black Beans

Mexican Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Black Beans
This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with the rich flavors of black beans and spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 packet Mexican seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, combine chicken thighs, black beans, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and Mexican seasoning.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and warm flour tortillas.

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

Thai Peanut Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Thai Peanut Crockpot Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Thai peanut sauce with tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a crockpot. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a crockpot, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth.
2. Add chicken thighs to the crockpot; coat with the peanut sauce mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the crockpot and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over rice or noodles, if desired.

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

Maple Dijon Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Maple Dijon Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich Maple Dijon glaze make for a mouthwatering main course. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the glaze over them.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

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

Balsamic Glazed Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Balsamic Glazed Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Simplify your meal prep with this effortless recipe that yields tender, flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect for busy days or special occasions.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
2. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour the glaze over the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 3-8 hours

Cajun Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Sausage

Cajun Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Sausage
Cajun Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Sausage Recipe

Summary:
Get ready for a flavorful and hearty meal with this easy-to-make Cajun-inspired recipe that combines tender chicken thighs, spicy sausage, and aromatic spices in your crockpot.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the chicken in the crockpot and add the sliced sausage on top.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes with green chilies around the chicken and sausage.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.

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

Greek Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Olives

Greek Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Olives
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and delicious Greek-inspired crockpot recipe, featuring tender thighs smothered in a savory olive sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. In the crockpot, combine chicken, sliced olives, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional olives and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Cooking Time: 3-8 hours

Pesto Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes

Pesto Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this creamy and flavorful Pesto Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal that’s perfect for busy families or date nights.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a crockpot, combine chicken thighs, pesto sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves (optional).

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

Curry Coconut Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Curry Coconut Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of coconut milk with the warmth of curry spices. This comforting crockpot dish is perfect for a busy evening when you want to come home to a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and curry powder.
2. In a crockpot, combine the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chicken thighs.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Smoky Paprika Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Smoky Paprika Crockpot Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and tender crockpot recipe that combines the richness of smoked paprika with the comfort of chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and sprinkle the paprika mixture evenly over them.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Orange Ginger Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Orange Ginger Crockpot Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the warmth of ginger with the brightness of orange to create a tender and flavorful chicken dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Orange Ginger Crockpot Chicken Thighs are sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the orange-ginger mixture over them.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions or orange slices if desired.

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

Buffalo Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Blue Cheese

Buffalo Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Blue Cheese
Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creaminess of blue cheese. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for a busy evening when you need something delicious to come together with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In the crockpot, combine the olive oil, sliced onion, and minced garlic.
3. Add the chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.
4. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and Frank’s RedHot sauce.
5. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly over the top.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

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

Rosemary Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Rosemary Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Rosemary Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs: A flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, with the crockpot doing all the work.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the garlic-rosemary mixture evenly over the top of each chicken thigh.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary leaves if desired.

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

Tomato Basil Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Tomato Basil Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Elevate your mealtime with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the brightness of basil, and the comfort of chicken thighs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In the crockpot, combine the diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the crockpot, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.

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

Summary

Discover the simplicity and flavor of crockpot chicken thighs with these 20 mouth-watering recipes. Perfect for busy weeknights, these easy-to-make dishes offer a variety of international flavors and spices. From classic comfort food to bold and exotic options, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Whether you’re craving sweet and sticky honey garlic, spicy peppers, or savory teriyaki, these crockpot recipes are sure to become new favorites. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious and stress-free meal ideas!

Leave a Comment