Welcome to my recipe blog! Today, I’m thrilled to share a mouth-watering dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious – Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let’s get started on this simple yet flavorful journey!

What are Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is a delectable dish made by slow-cooking chicken thighs with a blend of savory spices, vegetables, and a rich sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender, juicy, and infused with all the delicious flavors.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Convenience: Perfect for busy schedules, just set it and forget it.
Flavorful: Slow cooking enhances the flavors, making the chicken incredibly tasty.
Healthy: A wholesome meal with lean protein and vegetables.
Versatile: Can be paired with various sides like rice, potatoes, or salad.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and yields several servings.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups baby carrots
2 cups baby potatoes, halved

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs: Substitute with chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred.
Olive Oil: Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil as alternatives.
Chicken Broth: Replace with vegetable broth or beef broth for a different flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or fresh chopped tomatoes.
Tomato Paste: Use ketchup or tomato sauce as a replacement.
Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme or dried rosemary can be used instead.
Dried Oregano: Swap with dried basil or Italian seasoning.
Smoked Paprika: Use regular paprika or chili powder for a different spice level.
Baby Carrots: Regular carrots cut into chunks or parsnips can be used.
Baby Potatoes: Substitute with regular potatoes cut into smaller pieces or sweet potatoes.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

To make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs, follow these simple steps

Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Sear Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
Prepare Sauce: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Combine Ingredients: Place baby carrots and halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Green Beans: Add a side of steamed or sautéed green beans for a fresh touch.
Salad: A crisp garden salad makes a light and refreshing accompaniment.
Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Choose Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in thighs retain moisture and flavor better than boneless.
Sear the Chicken: Searing adds depth of flavor and improves texture.
Layer Ingredients: Place vegetables at the bottom for even cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor before serving.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version.
Lemon Herb: Incorporate lemon juice and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce for an Asian twist.
Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end for a creamy sauce.

Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Best Practices

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Labeling: Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Portioning: Divide into meal-sized portions for easy reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power.
Stovetop Method: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Avoid Drying Out: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the chicken moist.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

FAQs

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can sear the chicken and chop the vegetables the night before. Store everything in the refrigerator and then assemble and start the slow cooker in the morning. Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish and reheat it later, as it stores well in the refrigerator.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in. However, bone-in thighs tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture better. If using boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the chicken thighs from drying out in the slow cooker?

To prevent chicken thighs from drying out in the slow cooker, make sure to sear them before adding to the slow cooker. This step locks in moisture. Also, ensure there is enough liquid in the cooker, and avoid overcooking by following the recommended cooking times.

What vegetables can I add to the slow cooker with the chicken thighs?

You can add a variety of vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken thighs. Popular options include carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and celery. These vegetables complement the flavors of the dish and cook well in the slow cooker.

Final Words

There you have it – a complete guide to making Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. This recipe is not only simple and convenient but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!

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