Tender, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make, these Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a comforting all-in-one meal that practically cooks itself. With juicy boneless chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich, seasoned broth, this dish brings hearty, homestyle flavor to your table with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe is in the simplicity—just a handful of ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest. The chicken thighs become fall-apart tender while the vegetables soak up all the savory juices. A light cornstarch slurry at the end helps thicken the broth into a silky, spoonable sauce that coats every bite.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or want a cozy Sunday dinner without hovering over the stove, this set-it-and-forget-it meal is always a win. Plus, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot meal – Protein, veggies, and sauce all cook together.
Super easy – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away.
Tender, juicy chicken – Thighs stay moist and flavorful every time.
Minimal cleanup – No extra pans or complicated steps.
Kid-friendly and customizable – Simple flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken thighs
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Baby red potatoes
Baby carrots
Red onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Cornstarch
Water

Variations

Add more vegetables – Try green beans, mushrooms, or parsnips.
Swap the potatoes – Use Yukon golds or sweet potatoes for variety.
Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
Add herbs – Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an herby boost.
Spice it up – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and chop the red onion and garlic. Wash the baby red potatoes and halve them if large.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place the baby carrots, potatoes, red onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seasoned chicken thighs on top.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover with the lid.

Step 5: Cook

Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In the last 15 minutes, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use chicken thighs for best results – They’re more flavorful and stay moist.
Don’t overcook on high – Low and slow yields the most tender meat.
Cut large vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end before serving.
Use a liner in your slow cooker for easier cleanup.

How to Serve

Serve warm in bowls with a spoonful of the thickened broth. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also add crusty bread or a fresh side salad for something extra. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and check for doneness.

2. Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, though they may be drier—reduce cook time and watch closely.

3. Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No searing needed for this recipe, though you can for extra flavor.

4. Can I cook this overnight?

Yes, set your slow cooker to low before bed and enjoy it the next day.

5. How do I know the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) and the meat should shred easily.

6. Can I skip the cornstarch slurry?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can also use flour or arrowroot as a thickener.

7. Is it gluten-free?

Yes—just ensure your chicken broth and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.

8. Can I add rice or pasta?

Serve it over cooked rice or noodles—don’t cook them in the slow cooker.

9. Will the vegetables get too soft?

No, they should be fork-tender but not mushy if cooked as directed.

10. What size slow cooker should I use?

A 5–6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and a little prep, you get a flavorful, wholesome meal the whole family will love. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—especially on busy days when you need dinner to cook itself. Easy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying!