Description
Succulent slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs blend tangy and sweet flavors for a mouthwatering meal. Tender meat marinates in rich sauce, creating a perfect dinner for family gatherings and casual weeknight dining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup (237 ml) BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until completely melded into a harmonious, vibrant blend.
- Chicken Placement: Arrange chicken thighs in a single, uniform layer within the slow cooker, ensuring optimal heat distribution and even cooking.
- Sauce Application: Pour the crafted sauce over the chicken, meticulously coating each piece to guarantee maximum flavor infusion and succulent results.
- Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and easily shredded, with flavors deeply penetrating the meat.
- Sauce Refinement: During the final 15 minutes, integrate a cornstarch slurry to enhance sauce consistency, creating a luxurious, glossy finish that clings perfectly to the meat.
- Serving Presentation: Gently transfer the caramelized chicken to a serving platter, drizzling the remaining rich, concentrated sauce over the top to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Optimize Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Prevent Overcooking: Monitor chicken closely during slow cooking to maintain juicy, tender meat that doesn’t dry out or become stringy.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider marinating chicken thighs for 2-4 hours before cooking to intensify the BBQ sauce’s penetration and overall taste profile.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to match personal heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg