The Juiciest Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe Ever Made

Weeknight dinners can be a breeze with these mouthwatering slow cooker bbq chicken thighs that practically melt in your mouth.

Succulent meat infused with smoky barbecue flavors promises an effortless meal everyone will adore.

No complicated prep work stands between you and a delicious dinner that practically cooks itself.

Tender chicken absorbs rich, tangy sauce while simmering gently throughout the day.

Kitchen magic happens when minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor without hours of active cooking.

Juicy, fall-apart meat emerges perfectly seasoned and ready to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Delicious Matches For BBQ Thighs

• Elevate BBQ Chicken Thighs Pairing
• Pair with a crisp, hoppy IPA to cut through the rich, smoky flavors of the chicken and complement its tangy barbecue sauce.
• Refreshing Slaw Companion
• Create a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey to provide a bright, crunchy contrast to the tender, saucy chicken.
• Southern-Style Corn Bread Sidekick
• Serve with warm, slightly sweet cornbread that absorbs the BBQ sauce perfectly and adds a comforting, rustic texture to the meal.
• Chilled Citrus Mocktail Refresher
• Whip up a sparkling lemonade with fresh mint and a splash of orange juice to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, savory chicken.

BBQ Chicken Thigh Versions

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace smoked paprika with cayenne pepper and add red pepper flakes for a fiery chicken version that brings extra heat to the dish.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Substitute spice mix with dried thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that adds complexity to the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure all spices are gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same cooking method.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Select a sugar-free barbecue sauce and serve with cauliflower rice or roasted low-carb vegetables instead of traditional sides to reduce carbohydrate intake.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. Breasts can dry out easier, so adjust cooking time and add extra sauce to prevent dryness.

• Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

No, this recipe doesn’t require pre-browning. The slow cooker will cook the chicken thoroughly and develop rich flavors without additional steps.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and easily pulls apart with a fork. Cooking times vary based on your slow cooker’s settings.

• Can I make this recipe with homemade BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce works great and can customize the flavor profile. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought sauce for best results.

BBQ Chicken Thighs Made Effortless In Slow Cooker

• Effortless Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making this recipe perfect for busy weekdays when time is tight.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking transforms chicken thighs into melt-in-your-mouth meat that's packed with flavor and incredibly succulent.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the BBQ chicken as a main dish, in sandwiches, over rice, or shredded for tacos, offering multiple meal possibilities without extra effort.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adjust the spice blend or BBQ sauce to match personal taste preferences, allowing for endless delicious variations.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Garlic Powder: Adds warm, savory depth to the spice mix.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor with mild heat.
• Onion Powder: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Offers mild spiciness and traditional seasoning.

• Chicken Thighs: Dark meat with rich flavor and natural tenderness, stays moist during slow cooking. Bone-in or boneless work well.

• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to chicken and prevents sticking, promotes even seasoning.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds sweet, tangy flavor and keeps chicken moist during slow cooking. Choose thick, high-quality sauce for best results.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Method

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning

Blend together garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.

Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices are well combined and distributed evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Gently massage olive oil over chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.

Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture across the chicken, patting it down to help seasonings adhere to the meat.

Step 3: Set Up Slow Cooker

Carefully arrange seasoned chicken thighs inside the slow cooker, positioning them in a single layer for consistent cooking.

Avoid overcrowding to promote even heat distribution.

Step 4: Add Barbecue Sauce

Pour barbecue sauce generously over the chicken thighs, using a spatula or spoon to spread sauce and completely coat each piece.

The sauce will help keep the meat moist and infuse additional flavor.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and select cooking time: low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

Chicken is ready when it becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart with a fork.

Step 6: Create Crispy Exterior (Optional)

Transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet.

Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, brushing with extra barbecue sauce to create a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate chicken with delicious accompaniments like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or nestled inside a soft sandwich roll.

Drizzle remaining sauce from slow cooker over the meat for extra flavor.

BBQ Chicken Thighs Slow Cooker Suggestions

• Select chicken thighs with less visible fat to reduce overall calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs like thyme for extra depth.
• Use low-sugar barbecue sauce or homemade sauce to manage sugar content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Let chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum tenderness and easier shredding.
• Cook extra chicken thighs and store in portioned containers for quick weekday lunches or dinner shortcuts.

BBQ Chicken Thighs That Come Back Saucy and Soft

• Store leftover BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Frozen chicken will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 46 1x

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Description

Juicy slow cooker bbq chicken thighs melt with smoky-sweet Southern charm, promising lip-smacking goodness. Tender meat falls apart beneath rich barbecue sauce, inviting you to savor comfort straight from the heartland’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 to 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
2. Massage chicken thighs with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage, then generously dust with the prepared spice mixture.
3. Strategically arrange the seasoned chicken thighs inside the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
4. Lavishly drench the chicken with barbecue sauce, guaranteeing each piece receives a thorough coating.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and initiate cooking process: select low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until meat becomes remarkably tender and effortlessly separates.
6. For enthusiasts desiring enhanced texture, carefully transfer chicken from slow cooker to broiling pan and crisp the exterior under high oven heat for 3-5 minutes, periodically brushing with additional barbecue sauce.
7. Present the succulent chicken alongside complementary accompaniments such as roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or nestled within a soft sandwich roll.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by generously massaging the spice blend into chicken thighs, ensuring every crevice gets seasoned perfectly.
• Choose a thick, high-quality barbecue sauce to prevent watery results and enhance the rich, caramelized taste profile.
• Skip the broiling step for a softer texture, or swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
• Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free barbecue sauce and checking spice blend ingredients for potential wheat contamination.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (also depending on setting)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 46
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg