Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

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Looking for a dish that practically cooks itself but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen? These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are your new best friend. With fall-off-the-bone tenderness and bold barbecue flavor, this is a meal that makes comfort food effortless. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend feast, this recipe brings Southern flair to your table with minimal effort.

Just toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ve got juicy chicken smothered in sticky-sweet BBQ sauce. It pairs beautifully with cornbread, salads, or even loaded mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s great for meal prep if you want to stretch those leftovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
• Rich BBQ flavor: Every bite is packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Budget-friendly: Chicken thighs are affordable and full of flavor.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, pull it for sandwiches, or pile it on top of rice bowls.

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What Kind of Chicken Thighs Should I Use?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. The bones help retain moisture, and the skin gives a little extra flavor. If you want to reduce the fat or go leaner, boneless and skinless chicken thighs work great too. Just keep an eye on cook time—they tend to cook a little faster.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating a perfectly seasoned and well-balanced meal:

• Chicken Thighs: The star of the show, juicy and rich in flavor, perfect for slow cooking.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—whatever you prefer. This forms the base of your sauce.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: For layering that savory foundation of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that makes the dish pop.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a touch of caramel sweetness to balance the tang of BBQ.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash to brighten everything up.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The basics for seasoning that enhance all the other flavors.

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How To Make the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and hold onto seasoning.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken.

Step 3: Add to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, skin side up if using skin-on.

Step 4: Add Sauce

In another bowl, stir together your BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

Step 6: Broil for Crisp (Optional)

Want that sticky-glazed, slightly crispy top? Transfer the cooked thighs to a baking sheet, spoon some sauce over, and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbling.

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How to Serve and Store These BBQ Chicken Thighs

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings depending on the size of the thighs and your sides. Serve it hot with classic Southern sides or shred it up for sandwiches, wraps, or rice bowls.

To store: Let the chicken cool and transfer it with sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist.

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What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Thighs?

Cornbread Muffins with Butter

A sweet and soft contrast that sops up all the BBQ sauce.

Creamy Coleslaw

Crunchy, creamy, and cooling—the perfect balance for smoky chicken.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Rich, cheesy, and indulgent. A classic BBQ companion.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky, especially if you add a little chili lime butter.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Comfort food at its best, perfect for those juicy chicken drippings.

Southern Green Beans

Slow-cooked with onions and maybe a little bacon, these beans mean business.

Garden Salad with Ranch

A lighter, fresh option to balance the richness of the dish.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re craving more comforting and flavorful chicken recipes, you’ll love these:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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