These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs are delicious and fast - just dump everything in the slow cooker in 5 minutes!
This recipe uses a quick homemade BBQ sauce that avoids additives and high amounts of sugar in store-bought brands, making it healthy for weeknights and holidays. The best way to make BBQ chicken thighs without a grill!
Jump to:
Why Make BBQ Chicken Thighs in a Crockpot?
- This recipe fits a multitude of diets including low sodium, a migraine diet, gluten free, and dairy free. You could even make this Paleo by using honey instead of brown sugar or leave out the sugar entirely for Whole30.
- It doesn't use store-bought BBQ sauce, which can contain liquid smoke, MSG, sodium and high amounts of sugar.
- The sauce takes less than 5 minutes to put everything into the slow cooker!
- Chicken thighs are very forgiving in the slow cooker and remain tender and juicy!
- Shredding the chicken (also called pulled chicken) makes the best BBQ chicken sandwiches!
Boneless or Bone-In Chicken Thighs?
Use boneless chicken thighs for a faster cooking time and an easier way to eat them. They shred easily without having to pick out the bones.
Use bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor, but add another 2 hours of cooking time. Be sure to buy skin-off.
You do not need to sear the chicken thighs before slow cooking, although if using bone-in, it can help them cook a little bit faster.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs - I used air chilled boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. I prefer air chilled because they don't retain water like regular chicken thighs and I find they taste and cook better. Boneless also tends to cook faster than bone-in, but they're more forgiving than chicken breasts, which can dry out if cooked too long.
Strained Tomatoes - This will be the base of this homemade BBQ sauce. It's basically plain tomatoes that have been cooked briefly and strained. It leaves you with the thickness of BBQ sauce without added seasonings. I like the Pomi Brand or De Rica.
Brown Sugar - This is such a small amount, but does add some sweetness to the recipe. Because we're also using apple juice, you can leave this out if you're watching your sugar intake.
Smoked Paprika - This is what is going to add that smoky BBQ flavor to our chicken thighs. This is made from smoke-dried chilies.
Step by Step Process
These crockpot bbq chicken thighs are such a simple recipe, it doesn't require a lot of effort.
Steps 1 and 2: Chop the garlic and shallots and prep spices
Place the shallots, garlic, strained tomatoes, spices, and sugar into the bottom of your slow cooker and mix everything together till smooth.
Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the crock pot
Spread your chicken thighs over the top of the sauce, then turn them so they're coated on both sides in the bbq sauce. (Picture 3)
Step 4: Cook the chicken thighs
Place the cover of your slow cooker back on and cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours. (Step 4)
Once cooked through, you can eat the thighs whole or shred them using two forks pulling the opposite directions.
As the chicken cooks, it will release juices. This can make a thinner BBQ sauce. If you'd like to thicken it back up, heat it in a small pot on the stove and whisk in 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring till thickened. You can add 1 teaspoon at a time until desired thickness is reached. I personally don't mess with this though....the sauce is delicious as is in my opinion.
For boneless chicken thighs that are fairly thin, these cook quickly - only 2-3 hours on low heat. If using bone in, you will need to cook longer, about 3-4 hours on low.
Meal Prep Ideas
This recipe is great for meal prepping cause it's easy to make a big batch of and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze. It freezes beautifully, especially when shredded.
Here are some bbq chicken thigh meal ideas to change it up throughout the week.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (find bun suggestions in my Pantry Staples).
- BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing.
- On top of a roasted sweet potato or russet potato with ranch dipping sauce.
- On top of nachos.
Frequently Asked Questions
I find that cooking chicken on low heat provides the maximum amount of flavor without drying the chicken out. If you are in a hurry, you can cut the cooking time in half by using high heat, but be aware they won't be quite as good!
Yes! Sometimes recipes will have you sear the chicken first, especially if you're using skin on chicken thighs, but overall you don't have to cook the chicken before placing it into the slow cooker.
To keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot you need two components - the first one is fat and the other one is heat. This is why chicken thighs are a little more forgiving when cooked in a crock pot because they don't dry out as easily as breasts due to fat content. Also, using the low heat setting will help, but every slow cooker has different power settings as to what is truly "high" and "low". Mine runs a little high, so I find I am usually on the low end of cooking times.
Crockpot Recipes
For more slow cooker posts like this crockpot bbq chicken thighs, check out these recipes. You'll especially love the Crockpot Pesto Chicken. And don't miss these Buffalo Chicken Thighs if you love this recipe!
If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 large shallots, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple juice
- 1½ cups strained tomatoes
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- kosher salt and pepper to taste (I typically start with adding 1 teaspoon to the slow cooker before cooking)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Start by adding your chopped shallots and garlic to the slow cooker, along with the apple juice, strained tomatoes, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using). Lay the chicken thighs on top, then turn them to coat with the sauce.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours till cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken thighs and serve whole, or shred with two forks for a shredded BBQ sandwich. Taste and adjust any seasonings.
Notes
- I like Pomi brand of strained tomatoes. Look for one without seasonings.
- Temperatures on slow cookers can vary greatly. If yours cooks fast, err on the low end of cooking time (like mine does).
- You can use bone in chicken thighs, they will just add another hour to the cooking time.
- In a pinch, you can use high heat and cut the time in half, however, the meal won't be quite as flavorful, and might be a little more dry. Same notes go for using chicken breasts.
Vanessa says
Will chicken breasts work with this instead?
Alicia says
Yes, they will just cook a little faster!
Laura says
I want to try this recipe but I'm worried about the Smoked Paprika. I'm surprised Smoked Paprika would be allowed on the migraine diet.
Alicia says
It's just the same peppers as paprika but prepared over a fire, similar to grilling. I haven't had anyone report an issue with it yet unless they're sensitive to all peppers.
Bariann says
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Stores well. Lived off Alicia's recipes during migraine elimination diet. Couldn't have done it without her!
Alicia says
Thank you for all your kind comments. I'm so thrilled they helped you!
Lauren says
Any recommendations or tweaks for using the instant pot?
Alicia says
I usually cook them for about 8-10 minutes on regular pressure. You may need to reduce the sauce after to get it thicker by removing the chicken and using the "saute" function. Or you can add a little bit of cornstarch to help it thicken.
Rachel says
When I cook in slow cooker I thought it has to be at least half liquid. I’m concerned if I add water it will dilute the flavors. Any tips? Grateful for you and recently diagnosed with VM. Starting diet tomorrow. This will be first recipe I try!
Alicia says
Hey Rachel, if you make the recipe as is it will work. The tomato sauce acts as the liquid and the chicken gives off a lot too. As you can see from the pictures, there is not a lack of liquid! Good luck! 🙂
Bridget says
This was delicious! Super easy in the slow cooker! Great weeknight meal.
Jennifer says
So delicious and easy! Whole family loved
Alicia says
Thank you!!