Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 8 reviews

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken made with just five simple ingredients. Ready in under 5 minutes of prep and slow cooked to perfection, the chicken is coated with a smoky and garlicky seasoning, then finished under the broiler for a deliciously caramelized glaze. Ideal for a hands-off meal that tastes like it was slow-simmered for hours.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (if cooking on high) or up to 5 hours 10 minutes (if cooking on low)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce

  • ⅔ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for glazing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Season the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Sprinkle smoked paprika, granulated garlic powder, and kosher salt evenly over all sides of the chicken to infuse rich, smoky, and garlicky flavors.
  3. Add BBQ sauce: Pour ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce directly on the chicken in the slow cooker, then spread it evenly to coat the thighs thoroughly.
  4. Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and juicy.
  5. Broil for finishing touch: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Transfer the cooked thighs to a foil-lined broiler-safe pan. Brush each thigh thinly with the remaining ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the top is nicely browned, watching closely to avoid burning. This step adds a caramelized, smoky finish.

Notes

  • For shredded BBQ chicken, skip broiling; instead, shred the thighs with two forks right in the slow cooker, mix back with the juices and an additional ⅓ cup BBQ sauce.
  • For BBQ chicken breasts or legs, use adapted recipes specifically designed for those cuts.
  • For a paleo or refined sugar-free option, select a BBQ sauce with paleo-friendly ingredients.
  • Serving suggestions, make-ahead tips, and more detailed notes can be found in the original full blog post.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours (high) or 4-5 hours (low) + 5 minutes broiling
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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