How To Make Crispy, Juicy Chicken Thighs in the Slow Cooker

What You Need

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoonkosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoononion powder
  • 6 to 8bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
  • Equipment
  • 6-quart or larger slow cooker
  • Measuing spoons
  • Small bowl
  • Fork

Instructions

  1. Mix up the seasoning: Place the salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl and whisk together with a fork.
  2. Season the chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Place the chicken skin-side up in a single layer in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. It is important that the chicken thighs are skin-side up, with some space between them. Overcrowding will result in soft, rather than crispy, chicken skin.
  4. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker, but leave the lid slightly askew — this allows venting. Cook on the LOW setting until tender and the internal temperature of the chicken registers 165°F, 6 to 7 hours.
  5. Serve: Serve warm or pull the meat off the bones for tacos, sandwiches, etc.