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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or gathering with friends, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Serve them up with your favorite sides for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs 2 1/2 to 3 pounds can be used in this recipe easily and is about 6 to 8 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ Sauce I used Sweet Baby Rays but you can use your favorite BBQ sauce

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. This seasoning blend is crucial for infusing flavor into the chicken.
  2. Next, spray the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make for an easier clean-up later on.
  3. Now, take the boneless chicken thighs and trim any excess fat. Place them on a cutting board, and sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the top. Gently rub it in, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs over and repeat the process with the remaining seasoning on the other side. This ensures that all pieces are flavorful.
  5. Roll each thigh up as they naturally want to roll, and place them in the slow cooker with the rolled side down. This helps maintain their shape and keeps them juicy.
  6. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is covered generously. The sauce will create a sweet and tangy glaze as it cooks.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb all the flavors from the sauce and spices.
  8. If you need to delay dinner, you can switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. This way, your meal will be ready when you are!
  9. When it’s almost time to eat, preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking oil. This will help when transferring the chicken for crisping.
  10. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on the prepared sheet pan, leaving some space between each piece. Using a silicone brush, generously brush extra BBQ sauce over the chicken for added flavor.
  11. Place the chicken under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it crisps up nicely but does not burn.
  12. Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs!

Notes

  • Cook Time Variations: You can adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model. If you have a newer model, it may cook faster.
  • Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your taste. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick!
  • BBQ Sauce Options: Experiment with different brands or flavors of BBQ sauce to find what you love best.
  • Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  • Leftover Ideas: Leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick meal.