Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs deliver tender, flavorful meat infused with smoky spices and a rich barbecue sauce. This easy recipe lets your slow cooker do the work, perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Salt (2 g)
• ½ tsp Pepper (1 g)
• ¼-½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (0.5-1 g)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (2 g)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (2 g)
• 1 tsp Chipotle Powder (2 g)
• 1 tbsp Dried Parsley (1.6 g)
• 2 tbsp Oil (29.58 ml)
• 4 bone-in Chicken Thighs (about 2 pounds) (875 g)
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (302 g)
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar, packed (42.5 g)
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (29.58 ml)
• ½ tsp Liquid Smoke (2.46 ml)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and dried parsley to create the spice rub.
2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs on all sides.
3. Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
4. Step 4: Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.
6. Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the thighs are well coated.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Once done, serve the chicken thighs with your favorite sides and spoon some sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, increase the liquid smoke slightly, but avoid overdoing it as it can become overpowering.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking, reducing time by about an hour on low.
• Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker for additional flavor and a veggie side.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce in a saucepan until it reduces.
• Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out in slow cookers. If using breasts, reduce cooking time and consider adding extra sauce or moisture.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

Searing adds flavor and color but is optional. Cooking the chicken directly in the slow cooker saves time, though the final dish may have a milder flavor.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken infused with a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, the slow cooker method ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken infused with spices and a rich BBQ glaze, ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp Salt (2 g)
• ½ tsp Pepper (1 g)
• ¼–½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (0.5–1 g)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (2 g)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (2 g)
• 1 tsp Chipotle Powder (2 g)
• 1 tbsp Dried Parsley (1.6 g)

Chicken

• 4 bone-in Chicken Thighs (about 2 pounds) (875 g)

Liquids and Sauces

• 2 tbsp Oil (29.58 ml)
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (302 g)
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (29.58 ml)
• ½ tsp Liquid Smoke (2.46 ml)

Sweeteners

• ¼ cup Brown Sugar, packed (42.5 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and dried parsley thoroughly to create a robust seasoning blend.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the chicken to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps develop deeper flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
4. Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke until well combined. This sauce will provide a sweet, tangy, smoky finish to the chicken.
5. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the seasoned and seared chicken thighs skin-side up in the slow cooker in a single layer.
6. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
7. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender, juicy, and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, optionally spoon additional sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• If desired, searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and texture but is optional.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Be cautious with liquid smoke as it is potent; ½ tsp adds a smoky flavor without overpowering.
• For thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce before serving.
• Bone-in thighs are recommended for better flavor and moisture retention.

Keywords: BBQ chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, barbecue chicken, chicken slow cooker recipe