Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
Step 2: (Optional, for enhanced flavor) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds a deeper flavor profile to your slow cooker chicken recipe.
Step 3: Place the diced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seared (or unseared) chicken thighs over the onions.
Step 4: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged.
Step 5: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your slow cooker.
Step 6: Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a large cutting board or in a shallow dish. Reserve the cooking liquid.
Step 7: Using two forks, shred the chicken into desired pieces. You can shred it finely or leave it in larger chunks, depending on your preference. The chicken from this slow cooker chicken recipe should shred effortlessly.
Step 8: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the flavorful cooking liquid. This keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with even more flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9: Serve warm as desired, or cool completely and store for later use. Enjoy your versatile slow cooker chicken recipe!