Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs (Bone-In)

These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are an easy slow cooker dinner with juicy chicken cooked in BBQ sauce until tender and saucy. Perfect for weeknights!

this recipe!

If you love easy slow cooker chicken dinners, be sure to try our Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken and Crockpot Mississippi Chicken next.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Pepper
• ¼-½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Chipotle Powder
• 1 tbsp Dried Parsley
• 2 tbsp Oil
• 4 bone-in Chicken Thighs (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• ½ tsp Liquid Smoke

Step by Step Instructions

STEP ONE – In a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and parsley. Using a small whisk or fork, stir to combine. Set aside.

STEP TWO – Pat dry your chicken thighs and place them in a bowl.

STEP THREE – Drizzle the olive oil over top then toss to coat so the oil is well incorporated.

STEP FOUR – In the bowl of your slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.

STEP FIVE – Using a whisk, mix the ingredients together so they’re well combined. NEXT, Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the slow cooker bowl.

STEP SIX – Using a large spoon, spoon the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs so they’re covered with the sauce.

STEP SEVEN – Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours or until the chicken thighs are fully cooked and the internal temperature of the chicken thighs hits at least 165 degrees F (or 74 degrees C). You can set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken thighs for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature hits at least 165 degrees F (or 74 degrees C).

Top tips for making the best crock pot chicken thighs recipe

• Do not lift the lid of the crockpot too often as it will allow the heat to escape causing a longer cook time
• If you have the time slow cooking on low for 8 hours is best but if you do not have that much time cook on high for 4 hours
• As always with chicken it is best to use an oven thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (or 74°C) for safe eating

How to reheat chicken thighs?

To reheat using the microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe container and reheat for 30 second intervals until heated through.

To reheat the chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, place the chicken in an oven-safe container, and reheat for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

Do you have to brown the chicken first?

No! The slow cooker will cook the chicken fully without having to brown the chicken first.

How to store leftover chicken thighs?

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can store the sauce with the chicken or separately.

Can you freeze crockpot chicken thighs?

Yes you can! Using a freezer-safe container freeze cooled chicken thighs for 2 to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.