Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Best Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Potatoes recipe! Perfectly seasoned, succulent chicken thighs paired with tender potatoes make for a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish cooks slowly in a crock pot, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Ideal for busy families or anyone who loves the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 tsp. sea salt, divided
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
2 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs (about 6 skin-on, bone-in thighs)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. small-medium golden Yukon or red potatoes
2 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. sea salt, divided
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
2 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs (about 6 skin-on, bone-in thighs)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. small-medium golden Yukon or red potatoes
2 Tbsp. butter
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes on high or 6 hours 15 minutes on low
Yield: 6 servings
To prepare the recipe, start by mixing the chicken seasoning in a small bowl. Combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with the remaining 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Next, place the potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. If the potatoes are larger than 4-5 inches, cut them in half. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
While searing the chicken, dot the butter over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the dried seasoning mix over them for added flavor. Once the chicken is seared, arrange it on top of the potatoes in a single layer, skin side up, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix over the chicken.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. For the best flavor and tenderness, aim for 175-185 degrees F. When cooking time is up, you’ll be treated to a hearty meal of juicy chicken and flavorful potatoes, perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prep Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of sea salt, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to create the chicken seasoning.
Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Prepare Potatoes
Place the small to medium golden Yukon or red potatoes at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. If any potatoes are larger than 4-5 inches, cut them in half.
Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs, starting with the skin side down, for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even searing.
Add Butter and Seasoning to Potatoes
While the chicken is searing, dot the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle half of the chicken seasoning mix over them.
Layer Chicken on Potatoes
Once the chicken is seared, place the chicken thighs in a single layer (skin side up) over the seasoned potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour any juices from the skillet over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining chicken seasoning mix over the top.
Cook in Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. For the most tender and juicy chicken, aim for 175-185 degrees F.
Notes
Make sure to adjust cooking times based on the size of your chicken thighs and potatoes for best results. You can also customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours before cooking.
Cook techniques
Preparing Spices
Mix together the chicken seasoning by combining sea salt, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Seasoning Chicken
Season the chicken thighs on both sides with sea salt and black pepper before cooking.
Layering Ingredients
Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, cutting them in half if they are larger than 4-5 inches, and dot them with butter and seasonings.
Searing Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Combining Ingredients
Add the seared chicken thighs over the seasoned potatoes and sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture on top.
Cooking in Slow Cooker
Cover and cook the mixture on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours to achieve the desired chicken temperature for tenderness.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since they may cook faster.
What should I do if my potatoes are larger than 4-5 inches?
Cut the potatoes in half or quarters to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Can I substitute other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but golden Yukon or red potatoes work best for this recipe.
What is the best way to check the chicken’s doneness?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F for safety, but for optimum tenderness, aim for 175-185 degrees F.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
The Best Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Potatoes Recipe offers a delightful combination of succulent chicken and tender potatoes, all infused with flavorful seasonings. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken remains juicy and the potatoes absorb all the savory juices, making for a satisfying and comforting meal. This dish is perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy family dinner, providing ease of preparation without sacrificing taste.
Herb and Lemon Chicken Thighs
For a refreshing twist, try seasoning your chicken thighs with lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley. Serve with roasted asparagus for a light and zesty meal.
Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Elevate your meal by brushing the chicken thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce before slow cooking. Pair it with cornbread and coleslaw for a classic barbecue feast.
Italian Chicken Thighs
Add Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to your chicken thighs. Serve with a side of pasta or garlic bread for a hearty Italian-inspired dinner.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
For a creamy version, add a can of cream of mushroom soup and some sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. This creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Spicy Chicken Thighs
Incorporate some chili powder or cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for a kick of heat. Serve with a side of rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs
Mix soy sauce, honey, and vinegar to create a sweet and tangy glaze for the chicken. Serve with jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables for an Asian-inspired dinner.