Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re in the mood for something ridiculously easy, yet oh-so-tasty, look no further than these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs! Picture this: tender, juicy chicken thighs, smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. The result? A dish that’s bursting with flavor and requires almost no effort at all. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
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Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds—it’s about convenience and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a get-together with friends, or prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, which means you get to enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen while you relax or go about your day.
Tender and Flavorful: Chicken thighs are naturally juicy, and slow cooking them makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender, all while soaking up that smoky, tangy BBQ flavor.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is practically foolproof. Throw it all in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
Versatile: Use this chicken for sandwiches, tacos, or serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just your family, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, big and small.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get this BBQ chicken cooking:
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. They stay moist and tender during the slow cooking process, soaking up all the flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to give the chicken that smoky, tangy kick. Sweet, spicy, or tangy—it’s up to you!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma, complementing the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Onion: Sweet onion rounds out the flavors and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
Paprika: A hint of paprika brings a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and tangy elements.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken before slow cooking, helping to lock in flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make your slow-cooked BBQ chicken? Let’s dive in:
1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavors and gives the chicken a nice texture.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
3. Add BBQ Sauce: Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each one is well-coated. If you like it extra saucy, feel free to add more sauce!
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. Mix the chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on buns for a sandwich, over rice for a quick meal, or with a side of your favorite vegetables. You can even use it for tacos or wraps—endless possibilities!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
This dish is as versatile as it gets! Here are a few tasty ideas for serving your BBQ chicken:
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on toasted buns, topped with coleslaw for a perfect combo of flavors and textures.
Rice and Veggies: Pair it with some simple rice and roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tacos: Load the shredded BBQ chicken into soft tortillas with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fun and flavorful taco night.
Salad: For a lighter option, toss the chicken over a bed of greens, with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a few crispy tortilla strips for crunch.
Potato Wedges: Serve with crispy potato wedges or fries for a classic BBQ-style meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customize Your BBQ Sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own BBQ sauce or mix different types (like sweet and smoky, spicy, or tangy) for a unique twist.
Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken with a side of baked beans, grilled corn, or mashed potatoes for a full BBQ feast.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may be a little less juicy than thighs. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I make this without searing the chicken first?
A4: Yes, but searing the chicken helps to enhance the flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the chicken might not be as rich in flavor.
Q5: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
A5: Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just make sure to cook them for a bit longer, as they will take more time to thaw and cook through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you have a larger slow cooker, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to check that the chicken cooks thoroughly and shreds easily.
Q7: Can I use a different kind of sauce?
A7: Of course! You can try different BBQ sauces, or even use a mustard-based sauce or a homemade one if you prefer.
Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a bit of extra BBQ sauce to keep the chicken moist.
Q9: How long does the chicken need to cook in the slow cooker?
A9: If you’re cooking on low, it will take 6-7 hours. On high, it will take about 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and shreds easily.
Q10: Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead?
A10: Yes, you can cook it in the oven. Cover the chicken with BBQ sauce and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Conclusion
There you have it—Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs that are so simple, yet so flavorful! Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for the week ahead, this dish is the definition of easy comfort food. Grab your slow cooker, toss in the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a BBQ feast with minimal effort. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–7 hours (depending on setting)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These high-protein slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy a delicious meal. Serve these chicken thighs with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner, or use them in meal prep for a high-protein breakfast option.
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then season evenly with the spice mixture.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Optional: For crispy skin, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes, basting with extra BBQ sauce.
- Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and barbecue sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can shred the chicken for tacos or use it in a salad for a high-protein meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg