Description of this recipe:
These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food, offering an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. The optional broiling step adds a delightful caramelized finish, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality perfection.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is a guaranteed winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to set it and forget it while you focus on other tasks. Second, the flavor is outstanding. The combination of smoky paprika, brown sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices creates a rich and complex flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly. Third, the chicken thighs are incredibly tender and juicy. Slow cooking ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly moist and flavorful, practically falling apart with each bite. Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes and cornbread to coleslaw and grilled vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. The optional broiling step takes just a few minutes and adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture, making these chicken thighs truly unforgettable. This dish is also great for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients:
- Smoked paprika: 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Dry mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): 8 thighs (about 3 lbs)
- BBQ sauce: 1½ cups
Preparation:
Step 1: Mix the seasoning
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. This spice blend is the foundation of the dish’s flavor, so make sure it’s well-mixed. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth, while the brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. The dry mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder add savory notes, and the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat that balances the sweetness.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken. Gently massage the spices into the chicken to ensure that it’s well-coated. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor from the inside out. Be sure to distribute the spices evenly so that each bite is bursting with deliciousness. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs makes the dish healthier and easier to eat, but you can also use bone-in, skin-on thighs for a richer flavor.
Step 3: Add BBQ sauce
Brush 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken thighs. Ensure that each thigh is well-coated with the sauce. The BBQ sauce will not only add flavor but also help to keep the chicken moist and tender during slow cooking. Choose a BBQ sauce that you enjoy, whether it’s sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. Experiment with different varieties to find your personal favorite. Some popular choices include classic hickory-smoked BBQ sauce, sweet honey BBQ sauce, or tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Step 4: Cook low and slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the specific slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken thighs. Check the chicken for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part. If the chicken is easily pierced and the juices run clear, it’s ready. Slow cooking is the key to achieving incredibly tender and juicy chicken. The low and slow heat allows the chicken to cook gently and evenly, breaking down the connective tissues and resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Broil for caramelization (optional but highly recommended)
Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The broiling step adds a delicious char and sticky finish to the chicken, elevating the dish to another level. The high heat of the broiler caramelizes the BBQ sauce, creating a beautiful glaze that is both sweet and savory. Be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s under the broiler, as it can burn quickly.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Remove the broiled chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or coleslaw. These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are also delicious served on buns as sliders or shredded and used in tacos or salads. The possibilities are endless! Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
- Serve on buns as sliders
- Shredded and used in tacos or salads
Tips:
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice blend and BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before slow cooking.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
- If you’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- To make this dish even healthier, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own homemade BBQ sauce with natural sweeteners.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can skip this step, but the chicken won’t have the same caramelized finish.
- For a smoky flavor without using smoked paprika, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the spice blend.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
3-4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
Total Time:
3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Sodium: 500-700 mg
Conclusion:
These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavor and incredibly tender. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The optional broiling step adds a touch of restaurant-quality flair, while the versatility of the dish allows you to customize it to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the most flavorful and tender BBQ chicken thighs you’ve ever tasted! This recipe is not only easy to make but also easy to clean up, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals and families.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken thighs for optimal results, you can use frozen chicken thighs in a pinch. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q2: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish and cover with BBQ sauce. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Broil for the last few minutes to caramelize the sauce, if desired.
Q3: What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use regular sugar or honey instead?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular sugar or honey for brown sugar. However, the flavor will be slightly different. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor that complements the BBQ sauce well. If using regular sugar, you may want to add a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor of brown sugar. Honey will add a different kind of sweetness, but it can still be delicious.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the slow cooker is a great way to make this a complete meal. Some good options include sliced onions, bell peppers, and potatoes. Add the vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken and BBQ sauce. Keep in mind that the vegetables may become very soft during the slow cooking process.
Q5: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you like your BBQ chicken with a kick, there are several ways to add more heat. You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the spice blend, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker along with the chicken and BBQ sauce.
