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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs slow cooked in a rich, tangy, and smoky barbecue sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, this hands-off meal offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooking method infuses the chicken with deep BBQ tastes while keeping it moist and tender. Serve it with your favorite sides, or use it as a versatile filling for sandwiches and wraps.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 to 3 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better sauce adherence and even cooking.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until fully blended and the sauce is vibrant and uniform.
  3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through completely.
  5. Finish and Serve: Serve the chicken with sauce spooned on top, or for a caramelized finish, transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crispy.

Notes

  • Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce grease while maintaining tenderness.
  • Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to retain heat and moisture.
  • Opt for cooking on low heat for juicier, pull-apart chicken.
  • Reserve some BBQ sauce before cooking to stir in afterward or serve on the side.
  • Broil cooked chicken briefly for added texture and caramelization if desired.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce (about 150g)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, barbecue, family meal, gluten free, crockpot recipe