Pour this 1 mixture over raw chicken thighs into a slow cooker for a hearty weeknight dinner you'll crave again and again

This is the kind of slow cooker recipe I lean on during busy weeks: you whisk together one simple Irish stout mustard mixture, pour it over raw chicken thighs in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing while you tackle the rest of your day. The stout adds a deep, malty flavor, the whole grain mustard brings a tangy bite, and fresh thyme keeps everything bright and cozy. It’s a hearty, no-fuss dinner with a little pub-inspired flair that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Serve these tender, saucy chicken thighs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or simple steamed rice to soak up all that stout-mustard gravy. A side of roasted carrots or green beans balances the richness, and a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps the plate feeling fresh. If you like, pour yourself a small glass of the same Irish stout you used in the recipe to tie everything together.

Servings: 4

2.5 to 3 lb bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat. Place the raw chicken thighs in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Irish stout beer, chicken broth, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard (if using), brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and everything is well combined. This is your 1 mixture.

Carefully pour this 1 mixture evenly over the raw chicken thighs in the slow cooker, making sure all of the chicken is nestled into the liquid and coated with the stout mustard mixture.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

If you’d like a thicker sauce, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and cover loosely with foil. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the hot cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon some of the thickened Irish stout mustard sauce over the top, and let it sit on WARM for a few minutes so everything comes back together.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with a pinch of extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve the chicken thighs with plenty of the stout mustard sauce spooned over the top, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cook time slightly (about 4 to 5 hours on LOW or 2.5 to 3 hours on HIGH) and check early so they don’t overcook. If you want a sweeter, less bitter finish, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or use a slightly milder stout. For a creamier version, whisk 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream into the thickened sauce right before returning the chicken to the slow cooker. You can also add sliced onions or baby carrots directly to the bottom of the slow cooker under the chicken for a built-in side. If you’re meal prepping, shred the cooked chicken off the bone and store it with the sauce for easy reheat-and-eat lunches over rice or potatoes. To make it gluten-friendly, choose a certified gluten-free stout or swap the beer for additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang.