Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs

Close up of cooked bbq chicken thighs in a crock pot.

Making juicy BBQ chicken is easy and stress-free with this slow cooker chicken thighs recipe. Skip the mess of grilling and use your crock pot instead!

Prep Time5

Cook Time4

Total Time4 5

Servings: servings

Calories: 378kcal

Author: Madison Wetherill

Equipment

Slow Cooker / Crock Pot

Ingredients

2 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs (about 6 thighs), or 2 pounds boneless thighs
1 medium onion peeled and cut into slices or wedges
1 tablespoon bbq seasoning
1 cup sugar free BBQ sauce or sauce of your choice

Instructions

Place the sliced onion and chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken with the bbq spices, then spoon the bbq sauce on top. You don’t need to add any additional liquid.
Close the lid on the slow cooker and cook on High setting for 3.5-4 hours, or Low for 5-6 hours. When it's cooked, the chicken should be tender, almost falling off of the bones, and its internal temperature should be at least 165℉.
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs and serve immediately with some of the liquid and onions from the crock pot spooned on top, if desired.
Optional Step: For crispy skin, use your oven broiler. Set the chicken thighs on a parchment lined baking sheet, and place it on an oven rack 3-5 inches beneath the broiler. Allow it to crisp up the skin a bit, about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Video

Notes

This is a bone-in chicken thighs recipe. Boneless pieces will take less time to cook, about 3 to 3.5 hours on High or 4.5-5 hours on Low.
Your total cook time may be different. Slow cooking times can vary by make and model.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test for doneness. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest portion of the meat, avoiding any bones. To be safe to eat, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For even easier clean up, use a disposable slow cooker liner.

To store leftovers: Transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy again within 4 days.

Nutrition