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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

These Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are the definition of easy comfort food. Tender chicken thighs slowly cook in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce made with soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a relaxed family dinner. Serve it over rice and let the rich sauce soak into every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless)

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons freshly minced ginger

  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

2. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.

3. Slow Cook

Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and cook:

  • Low: 5–6 hours

  • High: About 2 hours

The chicken should be very tender and fully cooked.

4. Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Spoon the thighs and plenty of sauce over cooked rice. Add extra lime juice or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Searing matters: Browning the chicken first adds depth and richness to the final dish.

  • Control the heat: Reduce or increase Sriracha depending on your spice tolerance.

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce: This keeps the sauce from becoming too salty as it cooks.

  • Thicker sauce option: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or transfer sauce to a pan and simmer briefly.

  • Great for meal prep: The flavors taste even better the next day.