Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs perfect for a hassle-free meal. This recipe uses a simple BBQ seasoning and sauce to infuse the chicken with smoky, tangy goodness while cooking low and slow to achieve juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture.
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
- Pat Dry: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick better.
- Season: Rub the chicken evenly with 3 tablespoons of BBQ seasoning, coating all sides thoroughly to build flavor.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer inside the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour 1 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well covered to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- 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 and browned.
- Serve: Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using skin-on, bone-in thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful during slow cooking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs are recommended for tenderness.
- If you skip the broiling step, the chicken will still be delicious but less caramelized.
- Adjust the BBQ seasoning to your preferred spice level or use a homemade blend.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently.
