Slow Cooker Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the delicious taste of barbecue with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken thighs become tender and soak up the rich BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Serve these saucy chicken thighs with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Sprinkle the finely diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken thighs.
3. Add Liquids: Pour the BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Add Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the top if using.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken thighs are tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
3. Finish Cooking: Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened to your liking, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Spoon the saucy BBQ mixture over the top.
2. Serving Suggestions: Serve the Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Notes

• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for this recipe. You can choose a sweeter sauce, a tangy sauce, or a spicy sauce depending on your preference.
• Chicken Broth: If you want a richer flavor, you can substitute the chicken broth with beer or apple cider.
• Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can omit it if you prefer a more straightforward BBQ flavor.

Variations

• Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey to the BBQ sauce mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary along with the smoked paprika for an herbaceous twist.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and ensure that the chicken broth is low in carbs. Avoid using cornstarch for thickening and let the sauce reduce naturally.

Low Carb Version

For a lower-carb option, use a low-sugar BBQ sauce and serve the chicken thighs with low-carb sides such as cauliflower mash or a green vegetable medley.

Slow Cooker Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich BBQ flavors and creating a tender, juicy dish. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe is a perfect choice. Enjoy making and savoring these flavorful BBQ chicken thighs with your loved ones!