Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 3, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re searching for a super simple yet delicious meal, look no further! Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are a fantastic choice. They are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Plus, cooking in a Crockpot means you can set it and forget it! Imagine coming home to the amazing smell of BBQ chicken wafting through your home. This recipe will make your taste buds dance with joy while saving you time in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe!

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Effortless and Delicious Flavor

Cooking in a Crockpot is one of the best ways to make flavorful meals without a lot of work. The beauty of this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is that it requires minimal preparation. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious BBQ flavor. You’ll soon learn why this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

2.25 lbs Chicken thighs (raw, skin-on and bone-in, about 4-6 chicken thighs)
3 tbsp BBQ Seasoning
1 cup BBQ Sauce (choose Hickory or Kansas City style, or even a sugar-free option)

Preparing the Chicken Thighs

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get started on preparing the chicken thighs.

Adding Chicken to the Crockpot

First, take your raw chicken thighs and place them in the Crockpot. Make sure to put the skin side facing up. This will help keep the meat juicy as it cooks. You want every bite to be full of flavor and tenderness!

Seasoning the Thighs

Next, it’s time to season the chicken. Sprinkle the BBQ seasoning generously over the chicken thighs. Use tongs to mix them well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This seasoning is the secret to enhancing the overall flavor of your BBQ chicken!

Adding BBQ Sauce

Now, pour about ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken thighs. This sauce adds a delicious, sticky glaze as the chicken cooks. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly. You want that BBQ goodness to cover every inch of the meat!

Cooking Time

Once everything is in the pot, cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3 hours. The smell will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know something amazing is happening inside the Crockpot!

Finishing Touches

After three hours, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the chicken will be ready for the finishing touches.

Broiling for Crispiness

First, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Crockpot. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, skin side up. This step is crucial for adding that crispy texture we all love.

Applying More Sauce

Next, brush the chicken with an additional ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce. This not only adds more flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful glaze. You can never have too much BBQ sauce!

Charring the Chicken

Now, it’s time to broil the chicken. Set your oven to broil on high and place the baking sheet in the oven. Broil the chicken for about 2-3 minutes. This will char the skin and create a delightful crispy texture. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Final Saucing

Once the chicken is nice and charred, remove it from the oven. Give it one last brush with some more BBQ sauce before serving. This extra layer of sauce will enhance the flavor and make it even more delicious!

Tips for Success

For the best results, choose high-quality BBQ seasoning and sauce. They make a big difference in flavor.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in all the moisture, making each bite juicy.

Proper Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so good), store the chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven. This way, you’ll maintain that crispy texture!

Variations

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe! You can try using different BBQ sauces to switch up the flavor profile. Maybe go for a spicy sauce or even a fruity one! Additionally, if you want to mix things up, substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Pairing Ideas

To make this meal even more delightful, consider pairing it with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. These classic sides complement the BBQ chicken perfectly and create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use frozen thighs! Just be aware that you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 4 hours on high.

What BBQ sauce is best?
Hickory or Kansas City style sauces work wonders in this recipe. However, feel free to use your favorite brand, even a sugar-free version if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the chicken thighs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free BBQ seasoning and sauce, this recipe will be completely gluten-free.

Conclusion

By following this simple recipe, you can easily create mouthwatering Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs that will impress family and friends alike. Dive into the delicious world of slow cooking and enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort!

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