Effortless & Flavorful: Your Go-To Chicken Thigh Crockpot Meal
Busy weeknights call for easy, delicious dinners that practically cook themselves. This chicken thigh crockpot meal is exactly that! Forget slaving over the stove – simply toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker, and hours later, come home to tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is family-friendly, requires minimal prep, and is a surefire way to get dinner on the table without any fuss. Perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Cooking Spray
- Forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using, add chopped bell pepper and rinsed cannellini beans.
- Place Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the tomato mixture, making sure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken (Optional): Using two forks, shred the chicken thighs directly in the crockpot. This allows the chicken to further absorb the flavorful sauce and become even more tender.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy! (See serving suggestions below!)
Notes
This is a set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipe that is family-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.