Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs

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These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and packed with sweet, tangy flavor! Made with a handful of ingredients, they’re an easy, fuss-free meal, perfect for weeknight dinners and weekly meal prep.

Overhead photo of crockpot bbq chicken thighs in a ceramic skillet.

The Secret to the Best BBQ Chicken Thighs!

Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken for good! This slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs recipe ensures you get the juiciest, most flavorful chicken you’ll ever taste with ease.

I love to make a big batch at the beginning of the week. Then, I use leftovers in salads, grain bowls, wraps, and more for quick meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for those days when you just don’t have time to cook!

My secret to the best texture is covering the chicken as it cooks. A lot of recipes just submerge the thighs in barbecue sauce, but we add a few extra ingredients to help make it extra tender and make it even more flavorful. You’ll never need another chicken recipe again!

Up close photo of a bbq chicken thigh in a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions needed for this recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details, instructions, and nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, saturated fat, etc.!

Four chicken thighs on a white plate with BBQ sauce on the side.

Chicken – You’ll need 2 to 2.25 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which equals about 6 thighs. For even cooking, look for thighs that are roughly the same size. Bone-in chicken thighs will also work but tend to take longer to cook.
BBQ Sauce – We like to use our nightshade-free BBQ sauce, but any gluten-free or low-sugar barbecue sauce you like best will taste great.

Apple Cider Vinegar – This adds a nice tang and tenderizes the chicken.
Honey – For an extra touch of sweetness. Maple syrup will also work!
Minced Garlic – For the best flavor, use whole garlic cloves, and mince them yourself.
Seasonings – Salt and pepper enhance the flavor of the chicken. Then, we like to add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. It’s optional but highly recommended!

Note: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to amp up the flavorful, depending on what’s included in your BBQ sauce. Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, mustard, and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce can make great additions!

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs

Combine. Add the wet ingredients and spices to the crockpot, and stir to combine.
Coat the chicken. Use clean paper towels to pat the chicken dry, and place it in the crock pot. Spoon the sauce on top, covering the chicken completely.

BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic and black pepper in a glass bowl.

Raw chicken thighs sitting on top of a bbq sauce in a slow cooker.

Cook. Cover, and cook on high for 3 to 3½ hours or low for 5 to 6 hours, turning the thighs over at least once.

Pro-Tip: Check for doneness around 2 ½ hours on high or 4 hours on low, if possible, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Overhead photo of chicken thighs covered in a bbq sauce in a crockpot.

Overhead photo of cooked bbq chicken thighs in a crockpot.

Broil. Transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Or, place the chicken in the air fryer instead!

Note: Broiling the chicken at the very end of cooking is key to creating the incredible taste and texture we’re looking for with this recipe! It adds a sweet caramelized taste and crispy texture similar to BBQ chicken on the griil.

Rest. Allow your slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs to rest for at least 5 minutes. Then, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!

A woman's hands holding a pan with five bbq chicken thighs.

Serving Suggestions

There’s not much this BBQ chicken crockpot thighs recipe doesn’t pair well with! However, if you’re looking to create a complete meal some of our favorite options include:

Note: To create BBQ pulled chicken, simply use two forks to create shredded chicken. Then, use leftovers to make BBQ chicken sandwiches with gluten-free buns, nachos, pizza, or salads!

More of Our Favorite

Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, just be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken, and adjust the cooking time as needed. Also, keep in mind that chicken breasts might not turn out as juicy or moist as chicken thighs or caramelize as well once broiled, but they’ll still taste great!

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! You can store leftover chicken in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and enjoy leftovers cold. Or, warm them in the microwave or with extra BBQ sauce in the crockpot set to “warm.”