Crock Pot Chicken Thighs (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked with a rich, savory gravy for an effortless, comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 bone-in chicken thighs

→ Seasonings

02 - ½ teaspoon salt
03 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
04 - ¼ teaspoon onion powder
05 - ¼ teaspoon paprika
06 - ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Liquids

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 cups unsalted chicken stock

→ Gravy

10 - 1 ounce packet chicken gravy mix
11 - 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
12 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
13 - 2 tablespoons water

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Thoroughly season chicken thighs on both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5 to 10 minutes, without fully cooking through.
03 - Place seared chicken thighs into the base of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together unsalted chicken stock and chicken gravy mix until smooth.
05 - Pour gravy mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Top with slices of butter.
06 - Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Remove chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a slurry.
08 - With the slow cooker on high, whisk the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid. Return chicken thighs to the slow cooker, coating thoroughly in the gravy.
09 - Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Searing the chicken prior to slow cooking enhances flavor and texture; skipping searing may result in less appealing skin.
02 - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
03 - For reheating, use a slow cooker or oven to maintain moisture and avoid drying.