If you’re looking to bring irresistible flavor and pure comfort to your weeknight table, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are a must-try. Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmer all day in a bath of smoky-sweet barbecue sauce and spices, making your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. The best part? All you need is a handful of pantry staples and just a few minutes of prep work. This foolproof method means you’ll have the most succulent BBQ chicken ready whenever you are—no grilling required!

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs has a delicious purpose. From everyday spices to your favorite bottled BBQ sauce, each one builds irresistible flavor, juicy texture, and gorgeous color. Here’s what you need (and why!):

Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and lovely red hue—perfect for BBQ.
Garlic powder: Gives that punch of savory depth in every bite.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and rounds out the spice blend.
Boneless chicken thighs (2½–3 lbs): The star of our dish; they stay moist, tender, and soak up all that amazing BBQ goodness.
BBQ sauce (1½ cups): Your favorite brand does the trick—choose sweet, spicy, smoky, or even homemade!

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Mix the Spice Blend

Start by grabbing a small bowl and mixing together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple blend brings out the savory notes in the chicken and gives the whole dish that irresistible, classic BBQ taste.

Step 2: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Chicken

Lightly spray your slow cooker with a bit of cooking spray for easy cleanup later. On a cutting board, trim any excess fat from your chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is ready to soak up all those BBQ flavors.

Step 3: Season the Chicken Thighs

Sprinkle half of the seasoning all over the top side of your chicken thighs and massage it in gently. Flip them over, sprinkle on the remaining seasoning, and give another quick rub. Then, roll each thigh as they naturally want to curl and set them, seam-side down, in the slow cooker for the best texture.

Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce

Pour that glorious BBQ sauce right over the rolled chicken thighs, making sure they all get blanketed in sticky goodness. Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low—let it work its magic for 4–5 hours. Once done, you can switch it to “warm” if you want to serve later in the day.

Step 5: Optional Broiling for Ultimate BBQ Vibes

If you want irresistible crispy edges, go for the broil finish! Line a sheet pan with foil and give it a quick spray. Nestle the cooked thighs onto the pan, brush generously with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 1–3 minutes until just caramelized and bubbling. Watch closely—this step turns great into spectacular!

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

The right garnish makes every plate extra special! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of green, or top your Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs with a handful of thinly sliced green onions. If you want a sweet touch, try scattering crisp pickles or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Side Dishes

These chicken thighs pair beautifully with so many classic sides. Creamy coleslaw and buttery cornbread are always crowd-pleasers. For something lighter, serve with steamed green beans or a summery corn salad. You can’t go wrong with roasted potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs into mouthwatering sandwiches by shredding the meat and piling it onto toasted buns with crisp slaw. For a fresh twist, slice the chicken over a big salad or stuff it into wraps with veggies. You can even create BBQ chicken tacos with a little extra sauce, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite crunchy toppings. The options are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are a lifesaver for busy days! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep perfectly moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. The BBQ sauce helps the chicken stay juicy and tender, even after reheating.

Freezing

If you want to get a jump on future meals, freeze portions of cooked and cooled BBQ chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible and label with the date. Your chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs covered in the microwave or gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot. Add a splash of extra BBQ sauce if needed. If you want to restore the caramelized glaze, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs work just as well in this recipe. They may take a little longer to cook, so check for doneness and expect the meat to be even more flavorful and juicy.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs?

You can use any BBQ sauce you love—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice, but feel free to choose one that makes your taste buds sing or try homemade for a personal twist.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the chicken with seasoning and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply set the slow cooker to low and you’re good to go.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles wonderfully! Just make sure not to overfill your slow cooker so the chicken cooks evenly. If you’re feeding a large group, a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker is your best bet.

How do I make the chicken extra saucy?

If you love your Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs dripping with sauce, feel free to add extra BBQ sauce in the last hour of cooking or when serving. Keep some on the side for dipping, too!

Final Thoughts

If you crave a meal that satisfies everyone around the table and is truly a breeze to make, give these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs a spot in your rotation. You’ll love the smoky, saucy flavor and the incredible tenderness—absolutely perfect for sharing with friends and family. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The chicken thighs are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, slow-cooked to juicy perfection, and finished with a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce glaze. This recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoning:

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Chicken:

2 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs (about 6 to 8 thighs)

BBQ Sauce:

1 ½ cups BBQ Sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)

Instructions

Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Season Chicken: Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Trim the chicken thighs and rub half of the seasoning mixture on them. Flip the thighs and rub the remaining seasoning on the other side. Roll each thigh and place them in the slow cooker.
Add BBQ Sauce: Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Optional Broiling: Preheat the broiler. Transfer chicken to a sheet pan, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 1-3 minutes until crispy. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the BBQ sauce to your preference for sweetness or spiciness.
Make sure to watch the chicken thighs closely while broiling to prevent burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
Cuisine: American