When the weather gets chilly, there's nothing like a warm, hearty meal to bring the family together. That's why I love making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs for cozy nights. I remember one winter evening, my son, Jake, came home from school, and the aroma of garlic and parmesan filled the house. He said it smelled like heaven, and I couldn't agree more!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a simple chicken recipe that cooks itself while you go about your day.
- The garlic and parmesan create a mouthwatering flavor that everyone loves.
- You can easily make it ahead, perfect for busy weeknights.
Pure Comfort
This dish is pure comfort food, perfect for those evenings when you just want to snuggle up with your loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal.
What You Need
- 4 lb 4 lb chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on – You can use boneless, skinless thighs for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – You can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- 6 cloves 6 cloves garlic, minced – Adjust to taste if you’re not a garlic lover.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried Italian herbs – Oregano or thyme can work well too.
- to taste Salt and pepper, to taste – Use sea salt for a nice crunch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 8 hours | Total: 8 hours 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preparing your chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple step helps the skin get crispy and flavorful while cooking.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. The aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water already!
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin side up. Pour the garlic-parmesan mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece well. This is where the magic begins!
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours. As it cooks, the chicken will become tender and juicy. You’ll know it’s done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. They should be golden and glistening! Let them rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep them juicy.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. The flavors are so rich and comforting, your family will be asking for seconds!
Make It Perfect
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking.
- If you want to add veggies, consider tossing in some carrots or potatoes in the slow cooker with the chicken.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Swap out the parmesan for feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and store them in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!
What can I substitute for chicken thighs?
You can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy. Bone-in pieces are best for flavor.
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-parmesan mixture for a kick!
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a fantastic choice for cozy nights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a flavorful crockpot chicken that your family will adore. Give this easy chicken recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth it brings to your home!
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and dried Italian herbs in a bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in slow cooker skin side up and pour garlic-parmesan mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until chicken is tender and meat pulls away from bone.
- Remove chicken and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.