- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs (placing the skin side down if using skin-on) and sear until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and rosemary.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, then pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 hours (or High for 3–4 hours) until the chicken is extremely tender and nearly falling off the bone.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and arrange it on a serving platter.
- Stir the heavy cream and butter into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker.
- For a brighter flavor, add the lemon juice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Spoon the rich, creamy sauce generously over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Enjoy your Melt in Your Mouth Chicken alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Crispy Skin Option: If you’re using skin-on chicken and desire extra crispiness, place the cooked chicken under a broiler for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking to crisp up the skin.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Experimentation: Feel free to swap in other herbs (like basil or rosemary) based on your preference.
- Low-Carb Serving: For a low-carb meal, serve with steamed vegetables or cauliflower mash instead of traditional sides.
Enjoy this Melt in Your Mouth Chicken for a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful—perfect for making any dinner extra special!