Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a savory BBQ sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or casual gathering. The chicken is seasoned, slow-cooked to juicy perfection, and optionally finished under the broiler for a caramelized, smoky glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2.25 lbs chicken thighs, raw, skin-on and bone-in (about 4–6 thighs)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 3 tbsp BBQ seasoning
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (Hickory, Kansas City style, or your favorite variety)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps the seasoning stick better and allows for better cooking results.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken evenly with BBQ seasoning, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly to infuse flavor throughout.
- Arrange in slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer inside the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Add BBQ sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is covered to keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high heat for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender, fully cooked, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional broil for caramelization: For a caramelized finish, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet, brush with additional BBQ sauce, and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside your favorite sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- You can adjust the BBQ seasoning and sauce based on your favorite flavor profiles or make your own BBQ sauce for customization.
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps retain moisture and adds flavor, but you can use boneless or skinless if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- The broiler step is optional but adds a nice smoky, caramelized glaze to the chicken for presentation and taste.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
