Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

These Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs are infused with layers of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The chicken thighs are simmered in a homemade barbecue that makes them fall-off-the-bone tender.  Serve this alongside your favorite sides for a barbecue that can be made any time of year.

You might also like Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Thighs and Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken.

A slow cooker transforms chicken thighs into a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful dinner with minimal prep-perfect for anyone craving simplicity and comfort food.

Why Choose Chicken Thighs for the Slow Cooker?

Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because their higher fat content guarantees tenderness and flavor, even after hours of simmering. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs resist drying out, making them forgiving for beginners and busy home cooks.

The slow cooker breaks down connective tissue for a fall-off-the-bone finish while the dark meat absorbs spices and sauces deeply, resulting in a truly crave-worthy meal.

Key Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: They're naturally juicy and flavorful, staying tender even after long cooking. Bone-in options deliver rich taste if you want maximum juiciness. I used 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
• Seasonings: Black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic & onion powder, salt bring all the bold, sticky flavor to your chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Used for a little extra sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce as the chicken cooks. This gives you those delicious sticky bits and balances tangy and smoky flavors in the BBQ mix. If you like, you can swap this for maple syrup or honey.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: It lightens up the rich, sweet flavors and helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks. This small splash makes a big difference in keeping the final flavor balanced and lively.
• BBQ Sauce: My homemade sauce includes ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder. If you are short on time or just really like a specific BBQ sauce, you can use store bought instead. Or you can adjust the seasoning to the homemade version to suit your palette.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs 

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients, measurements & instructions are in the recipe card below. 

1. Make the Rub: Mix the spice rub ingredients together, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.

2. Coat the Chicken Thighs: Rub this all over the chicken thighs on both sides.

3. Sear: Sear the chicken thighs, skin side down for 3-4 minutes on a hot skillet.

4. Add seared chicken to the slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker skin side up.

5. Make BBQ Sauce: Combine the BBQ sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl until evenly combined, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

6. Pour sauce over chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be very tender and come apart easily.

Essential Equipment for Slow Cooker Chicken

• Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs: With silicon tips to prevent scratching pans and they are high heat resistant.
• 8-quart slow cooker: I love that it automatically warms and that the cooking times can be adjusted in 30 minute increments.
• Hard anodized non-stick oven-safe fry pan: Nothing sticks to these fry pans & they are a breeze to clean. The weight is perfect. Not too heavy & not too light.
• Silicone Solid Turner: Non Stick Slotted Kitchen Spatulas, high heat resistant and BPA Free.
• Mixing bowls

Why is my chicken dry or tough?

Slow-cooked chicken thighs are usually juicy, but dryness can result if the chicken is overcooked or you use leaner cuts like breasts. To fix: Stick to chicken thighs, and check the chicken for doneness after about 3 hours on high (or 6 hours on low). If using breasts, monitor closely as they cook faster.

My sauce is too thin. What should I do?

Slow cookers create extra liquid during cooking. For a thicker BBQ sauce, remove the chicken, then simmer or broil the sauce in a pan or under the broiler for a few minutes to concentrate flavors. You can also stir in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) at the end, then cook on high for 15 more minutes.

The flavor is too sweet (or not sweet enough)

Skip the brown sugar or adjust by swapping BBQ sauce varieties. To reduce sweetness after cooking, add a splash of vinegar or extra spices. For more sweetness, stir in extra brown sugar or honey near the end.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

• Don't Overcrowd: Arrange chicken in a single layer so it cooks evenly and sauce fully coats each piece.
• Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in offers richer taste and juicier texture; boneless is great for shredding.
• Remove Skin if Desired: For a lighter dish and easier sauce absorption.
• Thickening the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes if desired.
• To avoid watery Sauce: Remove the lid for the last 20 minutes, letting liquid reduce naturally.
• If the flavor is bland: Double up on spices and choose bold sauces; marinate thighs overnight for extra punch.
• Rubbery Texture? Chicken cooked too quickly or not enough liquid; adjust cooking time and sauce quantity.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Cuts: Chicken breasts, drumsticks, or bone-in thighs all work. Cooking time stays similar, but adjust if using very large pieces.
• BBQ Sauce: Any flavor works-smoky, spicy, honey, or even sugar-free. For a unique spin, try teriyaki or buffalo sauce.
• No Brown Sugar: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute for a different kind of sweetness.
• No Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted for the same tangy effect.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic also works; use what's available.
• Add Heat: Add a handful of sliced jalapeños or smoked paprika.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken Things?

You can use boneless thighs, just reduce the cooking time to 4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to avoid overcooking.

Can I Scale Up the Recipe?

You can add more chicken thighs as long as your slow cooker can fit more. The sauce can cover up to 8 chicken thighs.

Do I Need to Broil Chicken After Slow Cooking?

After slow cooking, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp up the skin if you would like. Before broiling, brush on extra sauce from the slow cooker. 

Serving Suggestions

• Creamy Buttery Mashed Potato Pie offers a classic, cozy base for juicy chicken thighs.
• Serve baby potatoes, French fries or Honey Roasted Carrots on the side for a complete meal.
• Scoop up extra sauce with a piece of hearty Dutch Oven Bread for a delicious carb enjoyment.
• Green Beans, Asparagus, or Steamed Broccoli: Light, colorful veggies pair well with the richness of BBQ chicken.
• Serve slow cooker chicken thighs shredded over Chicken and Spinach Salad, Avocado Corn Salad, or with Caprese Stuffed Avocados for a BBQ chicken salad.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover chicken thighs to an airtight container as soon as they've cooled to room temperature. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the sauce from drying out. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the chicken will keep safely for up to 4 days. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Freeze: For longer-term storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or a sealed plastic storage bag. Label the date, and use within 2-3 months for best quality. Freezing helps lock in the BBQ flavor and keeps the chicken ready for quick meals.

Reheating Tips

• To reheat refrigerated BBQ chicken thighs, microwave them in single portions or warm gently over the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist and flavorful during reheating.
• If reheating from frozen, allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with your preferred reheating method.
• Avoid overheating to prevent dryness-a lower and slower approach works best.

More Chicken Thighs Recipes

• Garlic Rosemary Chicken Thighs
• Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Thighs with Bacon