If you’re craving something effortlessly delicious and packed with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is hands down one of my all-time favorites for busy weeknights or easy weekend dinners. It’s ridiculously simple to make, yet the chicken comes out tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced every single time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Effort: Only five ingredients and less than five minutes prep means this slow cooker meal practically makes itself.
Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking chicken thighs yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat every time.
Built-in Smoky Flavor: Smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky depth without needing a smoker or grill.
Versatile Serving: Goes great on sandwiches, salads, or straight off the plate.

A white plate is full of shiny, glazed chicken pieces stacked in layers, each piece a rich reddish-brown color with a sticky and smooth texture, sprinkled with small bright green parsley leaves on top. The plate is held by two woman’s hands, one on each side, with a fork resting inside the plate among the chicken. The background is a white marbled texture with a bowl of coleslaw containing shredded white and purple cabbage, and orange carrot slivers near the top right. There is a small white bowl of light yellow potato chips on the bottom left and a small bowl of green herbs below the plate. A jar with dark brown sauce and a spoon inside is near the plate's right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect BBQ flavor without any fuss. Plus, they’re pantry-friendly and easy to find, which is a total win in my book.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender, even after slow cooking.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a vibrant color; don’t skip this one!
Granulated garlic powder: Gives a mild garlic flavor that blends so well with BBQ sauce.
Kosher salt: Seasoning is key for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; it’s the star of the show.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe so much is how easy it is to make it your own. Play around with it depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Spicy Twist: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a kick my family goes nuts over.
Different Sauces: Swap traditional BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy honey mustard or even a smoky chipotle version to switch things up.
Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking for a fresh aroma and flavor upgrade.
Make It Keto: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep it keto-friendly without sacrificing taste.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken Thighs

Start by spraying your slow cooker with a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking—this step saves you a messy cleanup later. Then, place those boneless skinless chicken thighs right inside. Sprinkle each piece evenly with smoked paprika, granulated garlic powder, and kosher salt. The seasoning is what really elevates the flavor here, so don’t skimp! Next, pour about a third of your BBQ sauce over the chicken, gently turning or spreading it so every bite gets that saucy goodness.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Put the lid on and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or LOW for 4 to 5. The goal is tender, falling-apart meat, and slow cooking does wonders for that. I usually go for low and slow whenever I have the time—it’s like magic in the kitchen. Just be sure not to overcook, though, or the chicken might dry out, which is the last thing you want.

Step 3: Broil for that Perfect Finish

My favorite part? Broiling! Preheat your broiler to high while the chicken cooks. Carefully remove the thighs and place them on a foil-lined, broiler-safe pan. Brush each piece generously with the remaining BBQ sauce. Broil for 3-4 minutes until you see those beautiful browned edges forming, but watch carefully—broilers work fast, and you don’t want it to burn. That final step adds a delicious caramelized layer that takes this recipe from good to incredible.

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Pro Tips for Making 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Use Quality BBQ Sauce: I’ve learned that using a BBQ sauce you love upfront makes all the difference—and it shines through in the final flavors.
Even Seasoning is Key: I used to under-season the chicken, but sprinkling spices evenly on all sides helps maximize flavor penetration.
Don’t Skip the Broil: The broiler caramelizes the sauce beautifully, giving you that authentic BBQ finish without a grill.
Watch the Broiler Closely: It only takes minutes to go from perfectly browned to burnt, so keep your eyes peeled!

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

A white plate is filled with about ten pieces of golden-brown chicken thighs stacked in two layers. Each piece is covered with shiny red barbecue sauce, creating a glossy texture. Small green parsley leaves sprinkle evenly on top of the chicken, adding bright spots of color. On the white marbled surface around the plate, a small glass jar with more sauce and a spoon is partially visible on the right side, and in the blurred background, two white bowls hold light-colored side dishes. The front edge of a black-handled knife rests on the left side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. A little tangy coleslaw on the side also complements the smoky flavors perfectly—plus it adds that crunch we all crave.

Side Dishes

My go-to side dishes here are simple and crowd-pleasing: creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a good old baked mac and cheese. If you want to keep it lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, try serving the shredded BBQ chicken in slider buns with pickles and extra sauce on the side—guaranteed to wow your guests. Or layer the chicken over a baked potato topped with sour cream and cheese for a comforting twist everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion the chicken thighs and sauce into freezer-safe bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these is in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things juicy. You can also gently reheat in the oven wrapped in foil—just watch they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook—usually an extra 30-60 minutes—because the bone slows heat penetration, but they can give an even richer flavor. Just check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

Broiling isn’t mandatory, but it definitely adds that beautiful caramelized finish and a bit of smoky char that mimics grilled BBQ. Without broiling, you’ll still have tasty, tender chicken, but if you want that extra depth, I highly recommend it.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste—whether it’s sweet, smoky, or tangy. I usually go for one with a balanced flavor profile that’s not too overpowering so the smoked paprika and garlic can shine through. Feel free to experiment!
Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

You can! Use the pressure cooker setting on high for around 10-12 minutes, then quick release. Add the BBQ sauce after cooking and broil as directed. Just keep in mind that timing and texture may slightly differ from slow cooker results.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe has become a reliable weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to get incredible results. The tender chicken, smoky spices, and lip-smacking BBQ sauce come together in such a mouthwatering way, your family will be asking for it weekly. I can’t wait for you to try this and make it your own—it feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially on those busy days when you just want good food without the fuss.

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 76 reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs with minimal prep and maximum taste. Using a simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and BBQ sauce, the chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, then finished under the broiler for a beautifully caramelized glaze. Ideal for busy days, this recipe combines convenience with delicious smoky, sweet flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce

2/3 cup BBQ sauce, divided (1/3 cup for cooking, 1/3 cup for glazing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Season Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and sprinkle all sides evenly with smoked paprika, granulated garlic powder, and kosher salt to ensure even seasoning.
Add Sauce: Pour ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, spreading it evenly to coat all pieces, enhancing flavor during cooking.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Broil for Glaze: Preheat the broiler to high. Carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a foil-lined broiler-safe pan. Thinly brush each thigh with the remaining ⅓ cup BBQ sauce for added flavor and caramelization.
Broil Chicken: Place the chicken under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a browned, slightly crispy glaze without burning.

Notes

This recipe requires only five ingredients and can be prepped in under five minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Slow cooking ensures the chicken thighs become succulent and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
For best results, keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning the BBQ sauce glaze.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 4.8 oz)
Calories: 330 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 518 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.04 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 44 g
Cholesterol: 215 mg