
Cooking chicken thighs in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken. The time it takes to cook chicken thighs in a crock pot depends on the cut of the meat and the temperature setting. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will take approximately 2.5 to 4 hours on a low setting or 3 to 4 hours on a high setting. Bone-in chicken thighs may take longer, with some recipes recommending 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs cooking time on high | 3-4 hours |
| Boneless chicken thighs cooking time on low | 6-8 hours |
| Bone-in chicken thighs cooking time on high | 3 hours |
| Bone-in chicken thighs cooking time on low | 4-6 hours |
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs cooking time on low | 2-3 hours |
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs cooking time on high | 2.5-3 hours |
| Safe internal cooking temperature | 165°F |
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What You'll Learn

Boneless skinless chicken thighs take 2.5-4 hours on low
When cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in a crock pot, the general consensus is that they take 2.5–4 hours on low. However, it's important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the desired level of doneness.
To ensure food safety, it is crucial to cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh to get an accurate reading.
Before placing the chicken thighs in the crock pot, some people recommend pan-searing or browning them in a skillet to add extra flavor and create a crispy surface. This step can be done by heating oil in a pan over medium to medium-high heat and cooking the chicken for about 2–5 minutes on each side until golden or crispy.
After searing the chicken, you can transfer it to the crock pot and add your desired seasonings, liquids, or vegetables. Some common seasonings used for chicken thighs include salt, pepper, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Liquids such as chicken broth, butter, or olive oil can also be added to the crock pot to create a moist cooking environment.
Once the chicken thighs and desired ingredients are in the crock pot, set the temperature to low and let it cook for 2.5–4 hours. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific model of your crock pot. It is always best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your crock pot and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
During the cooking process, you can check the chicken's progress and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest before serving.
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Bone-in chicken thighs take 5-6 hours on low
Bone-in chicken thighs are best cooked in a crock pot for 5-6 hours on a low setting. This is because bone-in chicken thighs are a thicker cut of meat and will take longer to reach a safe internal cooking temperature of 165°F. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches this level to avoid food poisoning.
To prepare the chicken, you can pat it dry with a paper towel and rub a spice mixture of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning all over the chicken. Then, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then transfer the chicken to your slow cooker, skin side up.
Next, pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, followed by diced butter and garlic. Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; once it reads 165°F in the thickest part, the chicken is done.
For optimal flavor, spoon the juices from the crock pot over the chicken before serving. You can also whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the juices and create a gravy. This recipe will result in juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken that falls right off the bone.
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Chicken thighs cooked on high for 3-4 hours
Chicken thighs can be cooked in a crock pot on high for 3-4 hours. This cooking time is for boneless skinless chicken thighs. If you are using bone-in chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them on high for the first hour and then on low for the remaining 5 hours.
It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Before adding the chicken to the crock pot, you can sear the chicken in a pan to impart extra flavor. This involves heating oil in a pan over medium-high heat and then placing the chicken skin side down into the pan and cooking for 2-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
For boneless skinless chicken thighs, you can coat the chicken in a dry rub of spices before searing it in the pan. Then, transfer the chicken to the crock pot and add the remaining ingredients, such as chicken broth, butter, and garlic.
If you are making a sauce to go with the chicken, you can whisk together ingredients like soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and onion powder, and then pour this over the chicken in the crock pot.
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Chicken thighs with a dry rub and pan-seared
Chicken thighs are a versatile and tasty cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When it comes to using a crock pot or slow cooker, there are several methods and recipes to consider, depending on the desired result and the type of chicken thigh used. Here is a guide to cooking chicken thighs with a dry rub and pan-seared, focusing on the cooking time in a crock pot:
Preparation and Cooking:
Firstly, it is important to note that bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for optimal flavour and texture. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. For the dry rub, a combination of spices can be used, such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. The chicken thighs should be coated generously with this spice mixture.
Before placing the chicken in the crock pot, it is recommended to pan-sear the meat to impart extra flavour and create a crispy skin. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken skin side down. Cook for about 2 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. This step can be skipped if using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and they can be added directly to the crock pot.
Cooking Time and Temperature:
The cooking time for chicken thighs in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired cooking temperature and the doneness of the meat. It is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety. Here are the estimated cooking times:
- For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- For boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cook on LOW for 2.5 to 4 hours or HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours.
It is worth noting that cooking on LOW generally results in more tender and flavourful chicken, while cooking on HIGH for a shorter time may yield slightly less tender meat. Additionally, the size of the chicken thighs and the number of thighs in the crock pot can also affect the cooking time.
Final Steps and Serving:
Once the chicken thighs have reached the desired doneness, they can be removed from the crock pot. If desired, the juices from the crock pot can be used to create a gravy or sauce. Simply whisk in some cornstarch to thicken the juices. The chicken thighs can be served as-is or with the gravy/sauce drizzled on top. Pair them with your favourite sides, such as potatoes, green beans, or a salad. Enjoy!
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Chicken thighs with gravy
Chicken thighs are a great, affordable option for a delicious and hearty meal. Here is a recipe for chicken thighs with gravy, cooked in a crock pot.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on, or boneless and skinless)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water or chicken stock
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Butter
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
Optional Ingredients
- Vegetables (e.g. potatoes, carrots, broccoli, corn)
- Taco seasoning
- Barbecue sauce
Method
- If using bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Stir together garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Place the chicken in the crock pot, skin side up.
- Pour the chicken broth into the crock pot, and add the butter and garlic.
- Cook on low for 4.5-5 hours, or high for 2-3 hours.
- Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the crock pot.
- Stir together cornstarch and water (or chicken stock) to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the crock pot and whisk until the gravy thickens.
- Place the chicken back into the crock pot and coat with the gravy.
- Place on high heat for 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- If using boneless and skinless chicken thighs, skip the browning and add the chicken straight into the crock pot.
- For a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of liquid in the crock pot before adding the slurry.
- For a quicker gravy, strain the juices into a pot and heat on the stove until simmering before adding the cornstarch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your juicy and tender chicken thighs with a rich and flavorful gravy!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3-4 hours to cook chicken thighs in a crock pot on high.
It takes 4-6 hours to cook chicken thighs in a crock pot on a low setting.
The ideal internal temperature for chicken thighs cooked in a crock pot is 165°F.
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in a crock pot. The cooking time is generally between 2.5 to 4 hours on a low setting.










































