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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
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Tender, flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs made easy with a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. This hands-off recipe delivers juicy chicken with layers of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for stress-free weeknight dinners, meal prep, sandwiches, tacos, or bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3 to 4 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 1 ½ to 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness and caramelization

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming in the slow cooker.
  2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the thighs, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  3. Add the BBQ Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over them, making sure each piece is generously coated.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
  5. Optional—Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks for pulled BBQ chicken, or serve the thighs whole with sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

  • Always pat your chicken dry to lock in flavor and prevent sogginess.
  • Arrange the thighs in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
  • Bone-in thighs tend to stay juicier and offer richer taste.
  • Choose a quality BBQ sauce with balanced sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
  • After cooking, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce to your preferred thickness.
  • Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs, BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Pulled BBQ Chicken, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/slow-cooker-bbq-chicken-thighs/