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Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Recipe

crockpot garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs with a crispy, golden skin, all made effortlessly in a crockpot. Finished under the broiler for that irresistible crunch, this garlic Parmesan version is a weeknight hero.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 to 3 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for crispy finish)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning all over, including under the skin if possible. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, butter pieces, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  3. Place seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side up, in a 6-quart or larger crockpot. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat is tender.
  5. Using tongs, carefully transfer cooked chicken thighs to a foil-lined baking sheet, skin side up. Reserve the cooking liquid in the crockpot.
  6. Preheat broiler to high. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the chicken thighs. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon reserved cooking liquid over the top if desired, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry—moisture prevents crispy skin. Watch the broiler closely; the difference between perfect and burnt is about 30 seconds. Reserve the cooking liquid for serving over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, low carb chicken, keto chicken