BBQ Chicken Thighs Crockpot is an easy dinner made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. The slow cooker keeps the chicken tender while the sauce soaks into every piece.
A quick trip under the broiler at the end gives the chicken a sticky glaze and lightly caramelized edges. It is a simple way to turn everyday chicken thighs into a hearty dinner without much hands-on cooking.
Why You’ll Keep Making This Recipe
- Easy Slow Cooker Dinner: Mix the sauce, add the chicken, and let the crockpot handle the cooking.
- Short Ingredient List: You only need a handful of ingredients to make the sauce.
- Tender Chicken: Chicken thighs hold up well during slow cooking and stay moist.
- Sticky Finish: Broiling the chicken at the end gives the BBQ sauce a thicker, glazed coating.
- Good for Busy Days: Most of the cooking happens without constant attention.
- Easy to Scale: The recipe can be adjusted for a smaller or larger group.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are used here because they cook well in the slow cooker and are easy to serve.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce. A sweeter or tangier sauce will change the final taste, so choose one you already enjoy.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the sauce develop a sticky finish under the broiler.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A little vinegar cuts through the sweetness and adds tang to the sauce.
- Liquid Smoke: This adds a smoky BBQ note without needing a grill or smoker.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder blends easily into the sauce and gives the chicken a savory base.
BBQ Chicken Thighs Crockpot
I absolutely love these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs! What's not to love about sticky BBQ chicken coated in tangy, sweet BBQ sauce? The chicken turns out tender and full of flavor, and the best part is that it takes minimal effort thanks to the crockpot. The combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes this dish incredibly delicious.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Mixing spoon
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken thighs skinless, boneless
- 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Liquid smoke
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- Chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In your crockpot, mix together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cook on high for 3 1/2 hours.
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush them generously with the BBQ sauce mixture from the slow cooker.
- Broil the chicken in the oven for 3-4 minutes to get a nice, sticky glaze.
- Remove from the oven and serve. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Adjust the thickness of the BBQ sauce to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the chicken uncovered in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce slightly.
- When broiling the chicken thighs in the oven after slow cooking, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Broil for just 3-4 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky glaze on the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving based on 5 servings. Actual nutrition will vary depending on the BBQ sauce and chicken used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 55 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 34 g |
| Sodium | 1,450 mg |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Coating the Chicken: Make sure the sauce reaches all sides of the chicken before cooking.
- Using Too Little Sauce for Broiling: Brush the cooked thighs generously so they develop a proper glaze.
- Skipping the Broiler: The slow cooker cooks the chicken, but the broiler creates the sticky finish.
- Broiling Too Long: BBQ sauce contains sugar and can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on the chicken.
- Crowding the Baking Sheet: Leave a little space between the thighs so the heat reaches the pieces evenly.
- Using an Uncooked Sauce for Serving: If you plan to use sauce that has touched raw chicken separately, cook it thoroughly first.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Spicy BBQ: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
- Honey BBQ: Replace some of the brown sugar with honey.
- Garlic BBQ: Add fresh minced garlic along with the garlic powder.
- Smokier Chicken: Add a little extra liquid smoke, but use it sparingly because the flavor is strong.
- Mustard BBQ: Stir a spoonful of yellow or Dijon mustard into the sauce.
- Maple BBQ: Replace part of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
- Peppery Finish: Add freshly ground black pepper before broiling.
More Chicken Recipes to Try
- Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Sage Butter
- Fall Chicken Stew
- Fall Chicken Casserole
- Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
- Grilled Chicken Breast
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Separate Sauce: Keep extra sauce in a separate sealed container when possible.
- Individual Portions: Divide the chicken into portions for easier meals throughout the week.
- Cooling: Let the chicken cool before transferring it to storage containers.
- Freshness Tip: Keep the chicken covered tightly to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, but cooking time may vary. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving. - Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, although chicken breasts are leaner and can become dry if overcooked. - Why broil the chicken after slow cooking?
Broiling concentrates the BBQ sauce on the surface and gives the chicken a sticky, lightly caramelized coating. - Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Yes. Homemade BBQ sauce works just as well as bottled sauce as long as it has enough liquid to coat the chicken. - How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Check the thickest part of a chicken thigh with a kitchen thermometer. It should reach 165°F. - Can I cook the chicken on low instead of high?
Yes, although the recipe is written for 3 1/2 hours on high. Cooking on low will require a longer cooking time. - Why did my BBQ sauce become too thin?
Chicken releases liquid as it cooks, which can thin the sauce. Broiling the chicken after brushing it with sauce helps concentrate the coating.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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