FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Chicken Thighs In The Crock Pot
• How Long To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Crock Pot?
• Flavor Variations
• Serving Ideas
• My Tools For This Recipe
• Crock Pot Chicken Thighs (Honey Garlic) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

These Crock Pot chicken thighs take minutes of effort for maximum flavor! My Crock Pot makes healthy dinners a breeze, and these slow cooker chicken thighs are no exception. This time, I decided to change it up from my usual go-to method for bone-in cuts of chicken ( compound butter under the skin), and opted for a sweet and savory honey garlic flavor instead.

Slow cooking makes tender meat and rich flavors, so Crock Pot chicken thigh recipes are some of my fave chicken recipes ! For more ways to cook chicken thighs in the slow cooker, try creamy Crock Pot chicken and crack chicken (you can make them with either breasts or thighs), or see more ideas below.

Why You Need My Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken
• Sweet and savory honey garlic taste
• Minimal, easy to find ingredients
• Quick prep time with mostly hands-off cooking
• Easier than stovetop or oven methods
• Healthy dinner that pairs well with any side dishes

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my slow cooker chicken thighs recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Chicken – This recipe for Crock Pot chicken thighs uses bone-in chicken thighs, which have great flavor and get a crispy skin, but you can also make it with boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts.
• Spices & Herbs – Rub both sides of the chicken with a combination of paprika , garlic powder , onion powder , dried thyme , sea salt, and black pepper. Feel free to use other dried herbs and spices of your choice.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the skin before cooking the chicken thighs in the Crock Pot. You could also use avocado oil or another neutral heat-safe oil.
• Coconut Aminos – This is my all-time favorite soy sauce substitute , but regular or low sodium soy sauce works as well.
• Honey – I prefer sugar-free honey , but you can use regular honey if you like.

VARIATION: Make it BBQ.

If you want the tasty goodness of BBQ chicken, use the and seasonings from my Crock Pot chicken legs .

How To Make Chicken Thighs In The Crock Pot

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Mix the spices. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sea salt and black pepper.
2. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with the spice mixture.

1. Sear until crispy. In a large cast iron skillet , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken, skin side down, until the skin is crispy. (I flipped it over in the picture below to show what it looks like, but you don’t have to.)

TIP: You can skip the searing step if you want to, but I don’t recommend it.

A quick sear makes the skin so crispy and delicious! But if you’re in a big rush, you could place the chicken directly into the slow cooker right away.

1. Transfer and add the honey mixture. Place the chicken thighs in a slow cooker , skin side up. Whisk together the honey and coconut aminos in a small bowl, then pour the mixture over the chicken.

1. Slow cook. Cover and cook chicken thighs in the Crock Pot, until they are very tender.

TIP: If you like, you can make a honey garlic sauce from the juices in the slow cooker!

Simply whisk about a tablespoon cornstarch, or your favorite cornstarch substitute (amount needed may vary), into the liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker.

How Long To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Crock Pot?

Cook time for slow cooker chicken thighs is typically 4 to 5 hours on Low or 2 to 2.5 hours on High. For best results, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees F — this is the optimal temperature for dark meats to make them juicy.

Flavor Variations

Want to make Crock Pot chicken thighs in a different flavor? Here are a few ways to do it:

• Teriyaki – Make my homemade teriyaki sauce and pour it over chicken thighs in the slow cooker, then cook following the recipe instructions. You can even serve them in place of the chicken pieces in a teriyaki chicken bowl !
• BBQ – To make BBQ chicken thighs in the Crock Pot, omit the other ingredients and simply coat the meat with your favorite BBQ sauce , and cook in the slow cooker. At the end, brush with more sauce and broil for a few minutes if you want to crisp up the skin.
• Garlic Butter – Rub compound butter under the chicken skin (see my oven baked chicken thighs recipe for more details on how to do this). For the skin and outside of the chicken, use the same spices below and sear the same way. Instead of the honey and coconut aminos, pour 3/4 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker before cooking.

Serving Ideas

This chicken is so versatile! You can pair it with just about any side dish, but here are a few of my top choices:

• Potatoes – Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes (or cauliflower mashed potatoes , pictured above!) for a comforting meal. You can also try Instant Pot baked potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes , or just arrange some diced potatoes around the chicken thighs in the slow cooker before cooking for a one-pot option.
• Roasted Vegetables – Make roasted brussels sprouts , quick roasted asparagus , or a big medley of your favorite roasted vegetables .
• Rice – Place the chicken on top of a heaping pile of rice (or cauliflower rice ).
• Salad – You can’t go wrong with a simple side salad. Crock Pot chicken thigh recipes pair well with any of my healthy salad recipes , but I especially love it with butternut squash salad or beet salad in the fall months.

My Tools For This Recipe

• Cast Iron Skillet – The cast iron gives the chicken a perfect sear for crispy skin.
• Slow Cooker – You can program this one to start cooking chicken thigh Crock Pot recipes while you’re at work and finish cooking right when you get home.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1/2 tbsp Paprika ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1 tsp Dried thyme ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 lb Bone-in chicken thighs (~6 pieces) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1/2 cup Coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce) ▢
• 1/3 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey ) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sea salt and black pepper.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub both sides with the spice mixture.
3. In a large cast iron skillet , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken skin, side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes , or until the skin is crispy.
4. Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker , skin side up.
5. Whisk together the honey and coconut aminos. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
6. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 hours on Low or 2 to 2.5 hours on High, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees F (77 degrees C). If you have time, spoon the juices over the chicken thighs every 45-60 minutes during cooking (this is optional).

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken thigh

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Mix spices and sauce ahead, or cook the chicken and portion it with sides for healthy lunches .
• Reheat: Microwave works, but for crispy skin, use the oven at 350 degrees F, a hot skillet, or the slow cooker’s Warm setting.
• Freeze: Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info is calculated with sugar-free honey , but regular also works.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs (Honey Garlic)

This Crock Pot chicken thighs recipe is juicy and tender, with crispy skin and irresistible honey garlic flavor. An easy, delicious dinner!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/crock-pot-chicken-thighs/

Ingredients

• 1/2 tbsp Paprika
• 1/2 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 lb Bone-in chicken thighs (~6 pieces)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 cup Coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
• 1/3 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey )

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sea salt and black pepper.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub both sides with the spice mixture.
3. In a large cast iron skillet , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken skin, side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes , or until the skin is crispy.
4. Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker , skin side up.
5. Whisk together the honey and coconut aminos. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
6. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 hours on Low or 2 to 2.5 hours on High, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees F (77 degrees C). If you have time, spoon the juices over the chicken thighs every 45-60 minutes during cooking (this is optional).

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken thigh

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Mix spices and sauce ahead, or cook the chicken and portion it with sides for healthy lunches .
• Reheat: Microwave works, but for crispy skin, use the oven at 350 degrees F, a hot skillet, or the slow cooker’s Warm setting.
• Freeze: Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info is calculated with sugar-free honey , but regular also works.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)