Description
Tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce with just the right balance of sweet and spice. An effortless crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
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3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8–12, thawed)
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2 cups BBQ sauce (recommended: Kinder’s or Stubb’s)
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2/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground mustard, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Optional: For thicker sauce, remove the chicken when done and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until thickened to your liking.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or on buns as pulled chicken sandwiches
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker BBQ chicken, easy BBQ chicken thighs, crockpot chicken, pulled chicken recipe