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Perfect Crispy Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Thighs Recipe

crispy parmesan crockpot chicken thighs - featured image

Tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs finished under the broiler with a crispy Parmesan and panko crust. This company-ready dish is surprisingly easy and always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add smashed garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon butter.
  3. Arrange seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. In a small bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and minced garlic. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse, clumpy sand. Set aside.
  5. About 5 minutes before the chicken is done, move an oven rack to the top position (about 6 inches from the broiler) and preheat the broiler on HIGH. Place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  6. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to the wire rack. Pat the tops gently with a paper towel to remove surface moisture. Spoon the Parmesan mixture evenly over each thigh, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest on the wire rack for 3 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and before adding the Parmesan topping. Do not overcrowd the slow cooker; arrange thighs in a single layer. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. The chicken can be cooked earlier in the day and refrigerated; broil just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, crispy chicken thighs, Parmesan chicken, slow cooker chicken, dinner party recipe, easy chicken recipe