Cooking chicken thighs can be tricky, especially if you want to achieve tender, flavorful, and juicy results. Slow cooker can help you achieve that, without much effort on your part. You can even infuse your chicken with various herbs, spices, and sauces to suit your taste.
But, how long does it take to cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker? Well, that depends on the particular dish you are trying to cook, as well as the cooking setting you’ve set your slow cooker in. On average it can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
For a more detailed answer, continue reading below.
Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs in Slow Cooker
The cooking time for chicken thighs in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the thighs, the temperature setting, and the desired level of tenderness. We will describe how long it takes on each of the two available settings on slow cookers.
Low Setting
If you’re looking for a fall-off-the-bone kind of tenderness and can afford the time, cook bone-in chicken thighs on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. For boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time to 4 to 6 hours. The extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
High Setting
When you cannot afford the time required for the low setting, cooking on high heat is the way to go. Bone-in chicken thighs will be ready in about 3 to 4 hours, while boneless thighs can be cooked in 2 to 3 hours on the high setting. Though the cooking time is shorter, you’ll still achieve deliciously tender chicken.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)
Is 4 hours on low or high crockpot?
If you’re using a crockpot, 4 hours on high should be sufficient for most recipes.
How long does it take for chicken thighs to be fully cooked?
Chicken thighs typically take about 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low in a slow cooker to be fully cooked and tender.
Is it better to slow-cook chicken on high or low?
It depends on your time constraints. Cooking on high will be quicker (about 3-4 hours), while cooking on low will take longer (about 6-8 hours) but result in more tender chicken.
Is 6 hours long enough in a slow cooker?
Yes, for many recipes, 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in a slow cooker is sufficient to achieve flavorful and well-cooked dishes.
End Notes
All in all, cooking chicken thighs in a slow cooker or crock pot is a delightful experience. You get the freedom of choosing your desired cooking time, as well as your choice of herbs and spices. Remember to adjust your time differently for boned and boneless chicken thighs and you should be good. If you are still unsure about the cooking time, refer to the recipe as well as the user manual for your slow cooker.