Savory Chicken Thighs

Gluten Free

Savory chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are an extremely budget friendly way to make savory chicken dinners. You can make chicken thighs instant pot or in the slow cooker.

This herb chicken thighs freezer meal is great because you can follow the recipe and add whatever seasoning you love!

Chicken freezer meals commonly use chicken breast. But using chicken thighs is the secret to affordable flavorful chicken dinners! Make-ahead chicken recipes should be fast and easy.

This recipe can be prepped in minutes!

Healthy chicken freezer meals are great to have because it saves time, money and gets ride of the stress of cooking! I love to double a recipe to make sure there is always at least one chicken freezer dump meals ready to go!

As a mom I understand the stress of running a household, raising kids and keeping an eye on the husband lol stress in the kitchen seems to be constantly hovering but it doesn’t have to!

Make ahead meals especially using chicken thighs makes life so much easier!

You can use your chicken cut of preference in this recipe and it will be just as delicious! To learn more about different cuts of chicken check out this post.

Why you will love this savory chicken thighs recipe. 

  • 10 Minutes to Prep
  • Super Easy
  • Extremely Tasty
  • Healthy (Soy Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Preservative Free)
  • Family Friendly
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The Best Chicken Thighs Instant Pot Recipe!

Your kids will love it and its great to customize with any veggies to have laying around.

Its a basic healthy chicken freezer meal that really you can make whatever you like. Don’t have the right spices or any onion, don’t worry just through in your favorite spices and veg, cook and enjoy!

Not only are bone-in chicken thighs more budget friendly but cooking with a bone-in add tons of extra flavor to your dish!

Ingredients you will need for this healthy savory chicken thighs recipe. 

  • bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless)
  • onion (optional)
  • chili powder
  • paprika
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • black pepper

How many chicken thighs are in a pound?

I used to only use chicken breasts but then I got hit with a food budget. Chicken thighs are way more budget friendly and so much more flavorful!
 
One thing I love about chicken thighs is that you can buy a higher quality chicken with a lower budget. But how many thighs for your family?
 
I use about 2 lbs for our family of 5 which is about 6 large chicken thighs. So 1 pound of chicken thighs is made up of about 3-4 chicken thighs depending on their size. 

How to make the chicken thigh seasoning?

SUPER EASY! In the past I only used prepackage spice mixes. But homemade is so amazing!
 
Not only is it a great way to eat clean and preservative free but you can make exactly what your family loves. Simple mix all your seasonings together in a small bowl and use as directed or needed. 

How to make this savory chicken thigh recipe in the slow cooker?

Just throw everything into a slow cooker and let it cook for you. No mess, no fuss and a delicious home-cooked dinner!
 
Whether you make instant pot chicken thighs or slow cooker chicken thighs this recipe is easy, fast, healthy and tasty!
 
 

 

What kind of meat can I use?

Chicken thighs are highly recommended for this recipe because the cook time is calculated for the thigh (dark meat). You could also use this recipe for breasts just be sure to adjust your timing and cook a bit less so that your chicken breasts do not dry out. 
 

What to serve with savory chicken thighs recipe?

Serve with any of your favorite sides. I love serving with a potato salad and fresh slaw
 
Fresh fruit is also a favorite dinner side of ours. Getting different textures on the plate makes for an interesting and delicious dinner every time!
 

How to store this savory chicken thighs recipe?

After cooking store in fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
 

Do I need a slow cooker for this recipe?

You can use a slow cooker or crock pot for this recipe. It is designed to be fast and easy so you do not have to take the time to cook all night.
 
 

Can I use an instant pot instead?

Of course! Chicken thighs instant pot are amazing! It’s so great to have some instant pot chicken recipes for those busy nights.
 
If you’re interested in some creativity try making instant pot chicken thighs and vegetables or potatoes for something extra in your meal.
 
If you are tight on time or a last minute cook then throw everything in the instant post and adjust cook time. For slow cooker to instant pot conversion times click here to get a simple instant pot cheat sheet. You will never have to guess or research an instant pot cook time again!
 

*See FAQ’s and specific tips following recipe below. (so you don’t have to scroll for a million years to find the food 😉 ).

How do you make this Savory Chicken Thigh Recipe? 👇 

Savory Chicken Thighs

Make savory chicken thighs in the instant potfor a fast recipe. Make it special in the instant pot chicken thighs andpotatoes or vegetables.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken Thighs Instant Pot, Savory chicken thighs
Servings: 4 Adults
Calories: 223kcal
Author: Hannah Stewart

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb Bone-In Chicken Thighs, no skin*
  • 1 Large Onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Supplies for freezing:

  • 1 Gallon Freezer Bag

Instructions

Cooking Directions:

  • Rub chicken thighs with seasonings.
  • Put onions in slow cooker and set seasoned chicken on top.
  • Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
  • Serve over onions and top with sauce and onions.

Freezer Directions:

  • Label Freezer bag with Recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
  • Add all ingredients to labeled freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Cooking from Freezer Directions:

  • If desired, Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  • Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
  • Serve over onions and top with sauce and onions.

Instant Pot Cooking from Freezer Directions:

  • Add 1 cup water into base of your instant pot.
  • Place a trivet or steamer basket on top of the water. Then add the seasoned chicken thighs.
  • Seal your instant pot making sure the valve is sealed.
  • Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. The NPR for 5 minutes. Quick release the remaining pressure.
  • Remove chicken thighs and enjoy!

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Tag @My_FamilyDinner or #MyFamilyDinner

How freezer meals will change your life.

Makes homecooking Easy

Only spend one hour in the kitchen for a whole week of dinners. Day of, throw your freezer meal in the slow cooker or instant pot and enjoy dinner!

feel confident

Knowing you have a fool proof systen for something that is easy and works gives you confidence in the kitchen. So wether you're a seasoned chef or occational home cook the method of freezer cooking will work for you!

Eat Healthier

Because you're prepping the freezer meals with fresh foods you're eating healthier. Anytime you cook at home instead of eating out you get the benefits of healthier food.

Enjoy less stress

Have you ever felt the pressure of forgetting about dinner, or having to cook at the end of a long day?! No more, just grab something out of the freezer and you're good to go.

Frequently asked questions

No problem! Just throw the freezer meal in your slow cooker and you’re all set. If it doesn’t fit thaw it for a few minutes in warm water. (You may need to add an extra 30 minutes cook time if completely frozen when cooking).

Freeze this chicken thighs recipe by setting all ingredients into a gallon freezer bag (ziplock is my favorite!), remove as much air as possible and seal bag. Chicken will freeze well this way for up to 3 months. 

I love using bags for my freezer meal because they are affordable and space friendly!

Yes you can but I would recommend cutting or shredding the chicken into individual portions so you can thaw and enjoy whenever you want. 

A serving size assumes 1 chicken thigh at 223 kcal per serving. 

Absolutely. Instant pot chicken thighs are super delicious and amazing! 

You may have to play around with cook times if you are using chicken breasts instead of thighs. If you’re interested in an instant pot cheat sheet for cook times click here!

Cook chicken thighs on high pressure in the instant pot. Be sure your vent is in the sealed position so the instant pot can come to pressure.

Don't forget to pin this recipe and save it for later! 👇

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