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Crockpot Chicken Goulash

This Crockpot Chicken Goulash is a comforting, hearty stew made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a smoky paprika and tomato base. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish with a thick, saucy consistency and vibrant aroma, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless) cut into large chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Start by chopping a large yellow onion into small dice and mincing three cloves of garlic. Sauté them in a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This creates a warm, savory base for your goulash.
  2. While the onions cook, cut the chicken thighs into large 2-inch chunks. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown slightly and absorb the flavors, filling your kitchen with a smoky aroma.
  4. Transfer the cooked onion, garlic, and chicken to your slow cooker. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in smoked paprika and dried thyme. Drop in the bay leaf and pour the chicken broth over everything. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Set your slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 6 to 8 hours. As it cooks, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, and the tomato and paprika meld into a rich, thick sauce with vibrant color and aroma.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker and turn it to high for about 15 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is shreddable, dish out the hearty stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy the comforting, smoky flavors of this classic Eastern European-inspired goulash.

Notes

For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce during cooking. To make it spicier, include chili flakes or hot sauce to taste. Serve with crusty bread or over noodles for a complete meal.