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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 10 reviews

I have to tell you, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite weeknight go-tos. It’s that perfect balance of rich, comforting creaminess with juicy chicken cooked low and slow until it falls-off-the-bone tender. Whether you’re running errands all day or just want a fuss-free meal that feels indulgent, this recipe is your new best friend.

What I love the most is how hands-off it is — you prep a bit, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come back to this amazing meal waiting for you. Plus, the sauce is so velvety and flavorful it’s like a warm hug on a plate. You really have to try this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe if you’re looking for effortless comfort food that never disappoints.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
  • Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking the thighs ensures they become perfectly tender without drying out.
  • Easy Prep with Big Flavor: Minimal hands-on time with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • Versatile Meal: Easy to customize with additions like spinach or sundried tomatoes to suit your mood.
This image shows six pieces of cooked golden brown chicken with a textured, slightly crispy skin in a black slow cooker. The chicken is covered with a thick creamy sauce that has dark specks, likely herbs and spices, and some small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes scattered on top and around the chicken. The sauce has an oily, glossy shine and pools around the chicken inside the cooker. The cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe come together like a dream — each one plays its part in building those deep, delicious flavors while keeping the dish creamy and comforting. Here’s a quick look at why these elements work so well.

  • Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Thighs retain moisture better than breasts, making for tender, juicy meat after slow cooking.
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning is essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
  • Butter & Oil: Used for searing to create a golden-brown crust and add rich flavor.
  • Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce once cooked down.
  • Minced Garlic: Infuses the whole dish with its irresistible aroma and zest.
  • Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that create a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Chopped Sundried Tomatoes: They bring a tangy, slightly sweet punch that complements creamy sauces beautifully.
  • Chicken Stock: This is the flavorful liquid base that helps deglaze the pan and infuses the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: The ultimate ingredient for richness, making the sauce silky and smooth.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory umami that rounds out the creaminess perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. I often mix things up depending on the season or whether I’m feeling extra indulgent or a bit lighter.

  • Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the sundried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes for a fresher, less intense flavor.
  • Dietary change: You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist — it changes the flavor but keeps that creamy texture.
  • Greens add-in: Towards the end of cooking, I love stirring in fresh spinach or kale to sneak in some greens without extra fuss.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear for Flavor

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper — don’t be shy here as this layers in flavor. Then heat the butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. I like to place the chicken skin-side down first and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until it’s a beautiful golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for just a minute to lock in all those juices. This little step gives you rich flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Using the same pan with all those tasty browned bits still sticking around, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute them gently for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Don’t rush this; the sweetness developed here adds wonderful depth to your final sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze and Transfer to Slow Cooker

Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those caramelized bits stuck on the bottom — this is pure flavor gold. Then, pour this onion-garlic-stock mixture into your slow cooker. Add the sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning for that herby, tangy touch. Finally, nestle the seared chicken thighs right on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Pop the lid on and cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours — whichever fits your schedule. The slow cooker will do the heavy lifting, transforming the chicken to tender perfection while infusing all the flavors into one harmonious dish.

Step 5: Crisp the Skin (Optional)

Once done, carefully remove the chicken thighs. If you’re like me and can’t resist crispy skin, pop them under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes at 200°C (about 400°F). This step adds a wonderful contrast in texture to the creamy sauce and tender meat.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

To the delicious cooking liquid left in your slow cooker, add the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. This is where the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. If you want to sneak in some greens, add spinach now and let everything cook together for another 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken up nicely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Put your chicken back into the slow cooker or simply spoon that luscious sauce over the top. Serve it over pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies — the sauce is so good you’ll want to soak it all up!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: It may seem like extra work, but browning the chicken adds flavor and locks in juices, making a huge difference.
  • Deglaze with Care: Scraping up those brown bits after sautéing onion and garlic creates the base for a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Optional Broil for Texture: If you prefer crispy skin, a quick broil after slow cooking is worth the slight extra step.
  • Use Bone-in Thighs: They stay juicy and tender after slow cooking, unlike boneless cuts that can sometimes get dry.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A little cracked black pepper and extra parmesan also make the plate look and taste extra special. These garnishes brighten the rich sauce and give you a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this creamy chicken over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes — both soak up the sauce wonderfully. Roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans also pair nicely, adding a bit of crunch and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve layered the chicken and sauce over polenta or a fluffy cauliflower puree, then topped it with caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts. It makes the dish feel fancy without extra fuss, and your guests will definitely think you’ve been busy all day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep really well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit as it chills, so just warm gently before serving and add a splash of broth or cream if you want to loosen it up.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion out the chicken and sauce together into freezer-safe containers and they last well for up to 3 months. When you thaw, just warm slowly on low to keep the chicken extra tender.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I like to use a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently so the sauce doesn’t break or separate. You can add a little cream or chicken stock if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible — slow and steady preserves the creaminess best.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe?

    You can, but bone-in thighs are definitely my recommendation because they retain moisture better during slow cooking and have richer flavor. Boneless thighs may cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on them if you go that route.

  2. Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

    Searing is highly recommended as it adds beautiful color and caramelization, enhancing the flavor immensely. While you can skip it for convenience, you’ll miss out on that extra depth and the skin won’t have that nice texture if you don’t crisp it up afterward.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and opt for a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The sauce will have a different flavor profile but still be creamy and delicious.

  4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

    The slow cooker time frames of 4 hours on high or 6-7 on low are designed for perfectly cooked, tender chicken thighs. Internally, the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want to be sure, use a meat thermometer before serving.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cozy kitchen hug — it’s rich, satisfying, and foolproof. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, especially on those busy days when you want to come home to something comforting and delicious without the stress. Trust me, once you taste that creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’ll be a new staple in your cooking rotation!

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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose
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Description

A rich and creamy slow cooker chicken thigh recipe featuring tender bone-in chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce of sundried tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker and optionally finished under the broiler for crispy skin. Serve with pasta, roasted potatoes, or vegetables for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear Chicken: In a skillet, heat together the butter and oil over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 4 minutes to render fat and crisp the skin. Flip and cook for an additional 1 minute on the other side.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Remove the seared chicken thighs from the skillet and place them into the slow cooker.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the remaining oil and butter. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor.
  6. Add Mixture to Slow Cooker: Pour the onion, garlic, and chicken stock mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
  7. Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Alternatively, cook on low for 7 hours for more tender results.
  8. Optional Crispy Skin: When cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs and keep warm covered. For crispy skin, broil them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes.
  9. Make Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese to the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Optionally, add spinach now. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes to thicken and combine flavors.
  10. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Serve hot over pasta or alongside roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Notes

  • For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking in the slow cooker; check tenderness after 4 hours on high.
  • Broiling the chicken skin at the end adds a nice crispy texture if preferred.
  • Adding spinach to the sauce during the final cooking step is optional and adds extra nutrition and color.
  • Bone-in thighs produce more flavorful and moist results compared to boneless.
  • Use full-fat heavy cream and Parmesan for best sauce richness; lower-fat options may affect texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

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