Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a rich BBQ sauce, infused with smoky seasoning. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers classic American flavors with minimal effort.
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 thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well and to help achieve better texture during cooking.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken evenly with the BBQ seasoning, making sure to coat all sides for full flavor infusion.
- Place in slow cooker: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer inside the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add BBQ sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well covered to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Optional broil finish: For a caramelized, slightly charred finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet, brush with additional BBQ sauce, and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken hot with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Using bone-in chicken thighs adds moisture and flavor during slow cooking.
- You can customize the BBQ seasoning to your taste, adding smoky, spicy, or sweet notes as preferred.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a delicious caramelized texture.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used for sandwiches or salads.
