Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme
Tender chicken thighs simmered with garlic and thyme in a savory sauce, ideal for busy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 370 minutes pairs skin-on, bone-in Chicken thighs, minced Garlic, Dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, skin-on, bone-in Chicken thighs
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium Chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs in a slow cooker, then sprinkle with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth to the slow cooker, then stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until chicken is very tender and easily falls off the bone with a rich, herb-infused aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 370 minutes (10 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 360-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
