Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs
Tender, Juicy & Loaded with Flavor
These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are a game-changer for busy weeknights—minimal ingredients, just five minutes of prep, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest. The payoff? Incredibly tender dark meat, infused with smoky spices and coated in your favorite BBQ sauce.
If easy slow cooker recipes are your go-to, this one belongs alongside favorites like my Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotisserie-Style Chicken. They all bring big flavor with little effort, making dinner something to look forward to.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 (approx. 3 lbs) |
| BBQ sauce | 1½ cups |
👨🍳 How to Make It
1. Mix the dry rub
In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Season the chicken
Arrange the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the meat.
3. Add the BBQ sauce
Brush 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
4. Cook until tender
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and fall-apart tender.
5. Optional: Broil for a caramelized finish
Preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Transfer the cooked chicken to the sheet, brush with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until lightly charred and sticky. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Serve and enjoy
Serve with mashed potatoes and a veggie side—corn, green beans, or coleslaw all pair perfectly.
🔁 Tips & Variations
- You can swap in boneless chicken breasts—just opt for thicker cuts to prevent drying out.
- Broiling adds a beautiful caramelized finish, but skip it if you’re short on time.
- Like it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or choose a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.
