Chicken thighs are a versatile type of poultry that can be used in a variety of recipes. The meat can be eaten off the bone or removed from the bone to be used in a number of dishes. Boneless chicken thighs can also be purchased. Making chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot® typically results in meat that is tender and flavorful. Both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs can be cooked in a slow cooker, and frozen chicken thighs can be used without defrosting. The chicken can be flavored with a variety of sauces and seasonings, and vegetables may be added to the Crock-Pot® for a one pot meal.
Before placing chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot®, they should be cleaned and the skin can be removed, if desired. Fresh or defrosted chicken thighs are commonly used, but frozen chicken can be cooked in a slow cooker without thawing. Using frozen chicken thighs will require a longer cooking time to ensure that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. Slowly cooking chicken thighs over the course of several hours usually results in meat that is moist and full of flavor.
Additional ingredients may be cooked with chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot® to add flavor as well as to make a simple meal. Many cooks like to use vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes with chicken thighs. Once cleaned and cut into pieces, these usually cook in the bottom of the pot, with the chicken thighs resting on top of them. When cooking chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot® a liquid is typically added to prevent the food from scorching or drying out. Water, chicken broth, and wine may be used, or a sauce or marinade can be poured into the Crock-Pot®.
Chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot® are very versatile and may be flavored in many ways. The thighs themselves may be marinated or rubbed with a variety of herbs and seasonings, such as salt, pepper, rosemary, or dill, before cooking. Extra seasoning may also be added to the pot to flavor any other ingredients being cooked with the chicken.
A Crock-Pot® cooks food at low temperature, so when making chicken thighs, a person should plan for several hours of cooking time. The chicken should be checked after the recommended time has elapsed, to make sure it is fully cooked. Chicken thighs made in a Crock-Pot® may be served on the bone, or the chicken can easily be removed from the bone before service. Any leftover meat can be used to make easy dishes, such as soups or casseroles.