Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful, Easy Dinner Favorite

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of barbecue sauce simmering away in a slow cooker. It brings back memories of family gatherings, summer cookouts, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal. One of my go-to recipes that encapsulates this feeling is Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs. This dish is not only flavorful and tender but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Using a slow cooker allows the chicken thighs to become exceptionally tender, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or planning a meal for guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients Overview

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 ½ cups barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for added smokiness)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients combine to create a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken thighs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures that the meat is flavorful throughout.

Mixing the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. Stir until the mixture is well blended.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Optional Broiling for Caramelization

For a sticky, caramelized finish, preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet, brush with additional barbecue sauce, and broil for 3-4 minutes until the edges are slightly charred.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Selection: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor.
• Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
• Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces—spicy, smoky, or sweet—to suit your taste preferences.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft and falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Coleslaw: The crispness and tanginess complement the rich barbecue flavor.
• Cornbread: A classic Southern side that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Baked Beans: Add a hearty, savory element to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: A lighter option that balances the dish.

Leftovers can be shredded and used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads for a quick and tasty meal the next day.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: For a leaner option, substitute thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue mixture for added heat.
• Honey BBQ: Incorporate ¼ cup of honey into the sauce for a sweeter profile.
• Dietary Adjustments: Use a low-sugar or sugar-free barbecue sauce to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Incorporating Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs into your meal rotation offers a delicious, hassle-free option that’s sure to please. The combination of tender chicken and rich barbecue flavor makes it a standout dish for any occasion.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful, Easy Dinner Favorite

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• Author: Manar Annan
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (based on low setting)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

These slow-cooker BBQ chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and infused with smoky, sweet barbecue flavor. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 ½ cups barbecue sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.

• Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it.

• Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.

• Optional: Transfer chicken to a baking sheet, brush with more BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–4 minutes for a caramelized finish.

• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken in the sauce ahead of time for deeper flavor.

Use bone-in thighs for extra juiciness if desired.

Adjust BBQ sauce to taste—spicy, sweet, or smoky.

 

Great as leftovers for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: low cooker bbq chicken thighs, crockpot chicken, easy bbq chicken recipe, slow cooker meals, chicken thigh recipes, bbq chicken dinner, weeknight dinners, southern cooking, crockpot recipes