1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the skin to become more crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well-coated.
2. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
- For added flavor and texture, you can brown the chicken thighs before adding them to the crockpot. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. This step is optional but recommended.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Cook:
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- Once the chicken is cooked, you can thicken the sauce if desired. Carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a plate. Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Turn the heat to high and let the sauce cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until thickened. Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken thighs with the sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips:
- Skin-On or Skinless: Using skin-on chicken thighs will give you a more flavorful dish with a richer sauce, but you can use skinless thighs if you prefer a lighter option.
- Customizing the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Add more honey for sweetness, increase the vinegar for tanginess, or add a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
This crockpot chicken thighs recipe promises a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. It’s a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dish.