Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a smoky BBQ seasoning and rich BBQ sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken with an optional caramelized finish under the broiler for extra deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2.25 lbs chicken thighs, raw, skin-on and bone-in (about 4–6 thighs)
Seasoning & 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 thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the seasoning stick better.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with BBQ seasoning, making sure to coat all sides evenly for full 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 the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well covered with sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Optional Broil for Caramelization: For a caramelized 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 the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich smoky flavor and tender meat.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture retention.
- Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker and chicken size.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a delicious caramelized texture and flavor.
- Use your preferred BBQ sauce style to customize the taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
