Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, juicy, and tender dish that requires minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to soak up the smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving with your favorite sides. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook.
- Super tender chicken – Slow cooking makes the thighs juicy and fall-apart tender.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well and can be used in multiple meals.
- Customizable flavor – Adjust the BBQ sauce and seasonings to your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chopped onion. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Serve the thighs whole or shred them with two forks and mix with the sauce.
- Optional Broiling: For crispy skin or caramelized edges, place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Honey BBQ: Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the brown sugar.
- Smoky Flavor: Add liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded or whole chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time by 30-45 minutes to prevent drying out.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a customized flavor.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.
Do I need to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, but searing adds extra flavor and helps caramelize the BBQ sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
What sides go well with BBQ chicken thighs?
Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low to ensure they cook through.
Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?
Yes! Use a mix of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey for a homemade alternative.
How do I prevent the chicken from getting too watery?
Avoid adding too much extra liquid, and use a thicker BBQ sauce for better consistency.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce, this recipe is great for sandwiches, tacos, or pairing with classic BBQ sides. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a party, this slow cooker dish is sure to be a favorite!
PrintSlow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or summer cookouts—without the grill! Serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Arrange chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the sauce: Cover the chicken with the BBQ sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve & enjoy: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Crispier option: After slow cooking, place chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Spicy BBQ: Add a dash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the honey.
- Shredded BBQ Chicken: Shred the chicken and serve on buns for easy BBQ chicken sandwiches.