Get ready to meet your new favorite dinner! These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are absolutely irresistible-fall-off-the-bone tender, bursting with sweet and smoky flavors, and smothered in a sticky, luscious barbecue sauce.

This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy nights or weekend gatherings. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let the magic happen, and come back to melt-in-your-mouth juicy chicken with hardly any effort.

It's my go-to for a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This one has been a family staple at our house, and I know it'll be a hit at yours too!

Tender BBQ chicken thighs coated in glossy sauce, ready to be served

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Easy: Just set it and forget it, making dinner stress-free for even the busiest days.
Mouthwatering Results: Chicken thighs slow-cook to tender, juicy perfection, absorbing all the barbecue goodness.
Family and Kid Approved: Sweet, smoky flavors that everyone at the table-from picky kids to BBQ lovers-will enjoy.
Flexible and Fuss-Free: Use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce and pick your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the star of this dish, giving you meat that's extra tender, juicy, and flavorful. I recommend using skinless, bone-in thighs, but boneless thighs will also work beautifully. If you choose bone-in, you'll get that rich, succulent texture and a bit more flavor depth. Be sure to trim excess fat for best results.

Barbecue Sauce

This is where the dish gets its signature punch of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, or go homemade for a personal touch. Look for a sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy notes, or tweak the flavor to your liking-spicy, honey, or hickory all work well!

Onion

Sliced onion melts into the sauce as it cooks, infusing subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Use yellow or sweet onion for mildness. You can skip it if you're not an onion fan, but it really does add something special.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a savory backbone that makes the BBQ sauce pop. Mince it finely for even distribution or use a garlic press for extra convenience. In a pinch, swap in 1 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh isn't available.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika brings an irresistibly smoky undertone and gorgeous color to the sauce. It pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can be used, but you'll miss a hint of that deep, fire-grilled aroma.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs cooking process

Instructions for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Ingredients

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic so everything's ready to go.

Layer the Slow Cooker

Scatter the sliced onions on the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the chicken. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer over the onions, making sure they're not overcrowded for even cooking.

Make the BBQ Sauce Mix

In a medium bowl, stir together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well combined. This gives your chicken a perfectly balanced, savory-sweet coating.

Pour Sauce Over Chicken

Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated. Use a spoon to spread the sauce if needed. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor!

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or on high for 2 ½ to 3 hours. The chicken should be extremely tender, pulling away easily from the bone. If you like a thicker sauce, uncover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Serve and Garnish

When ready to serve, gently transfer the chicken to a platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onion for a pop of color and freshness.

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love heat? Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix for an extra kick. Feel free to go bold with chipotle powder for smoky, spicy depth!

Swap the Protein

This recipe works just as well with skinless chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even bone-in pork chops. Adjust cooking time if the pieces are thicker or thinner, so nothing dries out.

Gluten-Free Friendly

Most barbecue sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. If you'd like, make your own gluten-free sauce or opt for a certified brand.

Honey BBQ Twist

For a sweeter spin, mix 2 tablespoons of honey into the sauce. This adds a lovely sticky glaze and an extra touch of depth to the chicken.

Veggie-Loaded BBQ

Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini with the onions to sneak in extra veggies. They'll soak up the delicious sauce and pair beautifully with the chicken!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttery cornbread to soak up all that mouthwatering sauce. A side of roasted vegetables, classic coleslaw, or crisp green salad rounds out the meal perfectly. Don't forget to garnish with extra parsley or scallions for a fresh, vibrant finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions covered until piping hot, or warm gently in a saucepan on low heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce. For longer storage, freeze cooled cooked chicken (with sauce) in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

A: It's best to thaw chicken before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking and food safety. If using frozen, increase cooking time and check for doneness.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

A: Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a large 6- or 7-quart slow cooker. Make sure chicken is in a single, even layer for best results.

Q: What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

A: For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into the sauce, and cook until thickened.

Ready to enjoy the easiest, most delicious BBQ chicken ever? Give this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe a go and let it win over your taste buds! Drop a comment or rating below and tell me how you served yours-can't wait to hear your tasty twists!