If you're looking for a delicious way to make dinner easy, this creamy slow cooker chicken thighs recipe is just the ticket. I remember one evening when my son, Jake, came home from school, and the aroma of this dish filled the house. He said, 'Mom, it smells like heaven!' Trust me, you’ll want to have this recipe in your back pocket for those busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's super easy to throw together.
- The chicken turns out tender and juicy every time.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies.
- Perfect for busy families or cozy dinners for two.
Pure Comfort
This dish is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce envelops the chicken, making it feel like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.
What You Need
- 1 lb 4 boneless chicken thighs – You can use skin-on thighs for extra flavor.
- 8 oz 1 cup chicken broth – Low-sodium broth works well.
- 8 oz 1 cup heavy cream – Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness to the dish.
- 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 1 1 tsp paprika – Smoked paprika adds a nice depth.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust based on preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 6 hours | Total: 6 hours 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before.
Steps to Make It
- Start by placing the boneless chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out evenly for even cooking. You’ll want them to be nice and juicy, so don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth. This will keep the chicken moist and add flavor. You'll hear a gentle splash as the liquid hits the chicken, which is always a good sign.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken. The onions will soften and sweeten as they cook, creating a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper over everything. This adds a beautiful color and flavor. Give it a quick stir to make sure everything is well-coated.
- Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for about 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. That’s the magic of slow cooking!
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside. Stir in the heavy cream into the remaining broth in the slow cooker. This will create a rich and creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and let it soak in the creamy goodness for another 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, making it even more delicious.
- Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce. It pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta, so be ready to dig in!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you want to add veggies, throw in some carrots or peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Mix It Up
- Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add some spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrition.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with steamed broccoli for a healthy side.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- A simple green salad complements this dish beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Conclusion
These creamy slow cooker chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that brings everyone to the table. So, grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs for Effortless Dinners
Equipment
- slow cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 1 large yellow onion diced, adds sweetness to the dish
- 3 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika adds a nice depth
- to taste Salt and pepper adjust based on preference
Instructions
- Place the boneless chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir gently.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken carefully and stir the heavy cream into the remaining broth in the slow cooker.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the chicken hot with the creamy sauce over rice, pasta, or your preferred side.