Kid-Approved Crispy Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Thighs (Easy 4-Ingredient Dinner)
This easy 4-ingredient recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs with a crispy Parmesan crust, all made in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a kid-approved dinner that requires just 5 minutes of prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (low) or 2 hours 35 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little butter. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Press it gently into the surface. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- For extra crispiness, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Don’t stir the chicken once you add the Parmesan to avoid knocking off the coating. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best crispiness. If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the 3-hour mark on low. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based Parmesan and coconut oil instead of butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 t
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot chicken, parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, kid-friendly, slow cooker chicken, 4-ingredient dinner