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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs offer an effortless, hands-off cooking experience with tender, juicy chicken infused deeply with smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this family-friendly recipe features boneless chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste, all with easy cleanup and versatile serving options.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over all sides of each chicken thigh.
  3. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well covered for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and juicy while absorbing the barbecue flavors.
  5. Final Touches: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a serving platter. For a thicker sauce, stir and simmer the remaining BBQ liquid on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces and coats the chicken beautifully.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even cooking and tender results.
  • Arrange chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker to avoid overcrowding and ensure consistent flavor absorption.
  • Choose a quality BBQ sauce for best flavor results.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
  • Save and serve the leftover sauce as a dip or drizzle.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 5 ounces chicken with sauce)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ chicken thighs, barbecue, chicken dinner, easy dinner, family-friendly, slow cooked chicken