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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs with a sweet-tang BBQ glaze that turns glossy as it simmers on Low for tender, spoon-fall chicken. Finish with a quick broil and basting for caramelized tops and extra saucy flavor.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

chicken thighs
  • 5 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) Use 4–6 thighs; bone-in adds extra richness.
bbq sauce
  • 1.5 cup BBQ sauce
liquid and sweetener
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
seasonings
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Season and make the glaze
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the brown sugar dissolves.
Slow cook
  1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ mixture over them so the tops are coated.
  2. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours, or on High for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and the sauce looks thick and glossy.
Caramelize and serve
  1. Transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet to encourage caramelized tops.
  2. Broil on HIGH for 4–5 minutes, basting with the Crockpot sauce halfway through, until browned at the edges with a sticky glaze.
  3. Serve with extra warmed BBQ sauce from the slow cooker.

Notes

Pro tip: For the best caramelized tops, keep the sauce thick—transfer chicken to the sheet and broil just until browned, then baste halfway through. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave or a pot until hot. Freezing is yes: freeze chicken and sauce up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating. For a lower-sugar option, use a BBQ sauce labeled reduced sugar (keep the rest the same) to maintain the glaze texture.