Description
These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or summer cookouts—without the grill! Serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Units
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- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Arrange chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the sauce: Cover the chicken with the BBQ sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve & enjoy: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Crispier option: After slow cooking, place chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Spicy BBQ: Add a dash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the honey.
- Shredded BBQ Chicken: Shred the chicken and serve on buns for easy BBQ chicken sandwiches.