Crockpot bbq chicken thighs are a great slow cooker recipe that leaves you with flavorful, slow cooked chicken thighs in sweet bbq sauce.

Bone in or boneless chicken thighs are one of the juicest parts of the chicken. The dark meat contains a bit more fat* than the white meat but you can definitely tell a difference.
These crockpot bbq chicken thighs are an easy set it and forget it recipe.
Use your favorite barbecue sauce with my special rub or use your favorite bbq seasoning. There is no way you can mess this meal up.
Let me show you step by step below.
How To Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients needed
- Chicken thighs (preferably bone-in)
- Bbq sauce
- Spice rub (listed below) or bbq seasoning mix

Making the bbq chicken crockpot thighs
- First, remove the chicken from the package. No need to use oil. Unless you’re letting the chicken sit and dry out there is no reason the seasoning won’t stick.
- Combine all the spices for the rub listed. Generously cover the chicken thighs with the seasoning. Coat them completely in the seasoning. I made sure the salt levels were perfect to avoid any worrying.
- In the crockpot, add the seasoning chicken thighs then cover in the barbecue sauce. This is all you need because the chicken will release it’s natural juices while cooking.
- Cover the crockpot with a lid then cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6. When chicken is done allow to cool a bit before serving. Chicken is done at 165F* but I suggest pushing the chicken thighs to 180-185F for more tender meat.
- Quick tip, place the chicken on a sheet pan in the oven on broil for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce even more.

What to serve with crockpot bbq chicken thighs
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Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs
Crockpot bbq chicken thighs are a great slow cooker recipe that leaves you with flavorful, slow cooked chicken thighs in sweet bbq sauce.
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 5-6 Chicken Thighs (I recommend bone-in but boneless are fine)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
BBQ Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- First, remove the chicken from the package. No need to use oil. Unless you're letting the chicken sit and dry out there is no reason the seasoning won't stick.
- Combine all the spices for the rub listed. Generously cover the chicken thighs with the seasoning. Coat them completely in the seasoning. I made sure the salt levels were perfect to avoid any worrying.
- In the crockpot, add the seasoning chicken thighs then cover in the barbecue sauce. This is all you need because the chicken will release it's natural juices while cooking.
- Cover the crockpot with a lid then cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6. When chicken is done allow to cool a bit before serving. Chicken is done at 165F but I suggest pushing the chicken thighs to 180-185F for more tender meat.
- Quick tip, place the chicken on a sheet pan in the oven on broil for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce even more.
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