Step 1

Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Heat nonstick 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat; season chicken thighs with salt. Add half of the chicken thighs in single layer to skillet, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until brown on both sides; transfer to slow cooker. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.

Step 2

Add vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns and bay leaves to slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut to bone (at least 165°F).

Step 3

Before serving, remove chicken to serving platter; pour liquid from slow cooker through strainer, discarding peppercorns and bay leaves. Serve chicken and garlic with cooked white rice and some of the strained sauce.