How To Cook Bbq Chicken Thighs In Crock Pot

A Finger-Lickin’ Guide: Cooking BBQ Chicken Thighs in a Crock Pot

There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender and juicy BBQ chicken thighs. The smoky flavor, the sticky sauce coating, and the fall-off-the-bone tenderness make it an all-time favorite. But did you know that you can achieve this mouthwatering goodness using a crock pot? That’s right—get ready to simplify your cooking process and achieve BBQ perfection.

Why Use a Crock Pot?

Using a crock pot for your BBQ chicken thighs has several advantages:

Convenience: A crock pot takes the hassle out of cooking. Simply set it and forget it. No need to constantly monitor the stove or oven.
Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking in a crock pot allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken thighs.
Time-Saver: Crock pots are perfect for busy individuals. You can prep your chicken thighs in the morning, leave them to cook throughout the day, and come home to a delicious BBQ feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepping the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Mixing the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Cooking: Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
Basting (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can baste the chicken thighs with the sauce periodically throughout the cooking process.
Finishing touches: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, you can choose to crisp up the skin under the broiler for a few minutes or serve them as is, depending on personal preference.
Serving: Serve the BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining sauce from the crock pot over the chicken for an added burst of flavor.

With this simple yet delicious crock pot recipe, you’ll have succulent BBQ chicken thighs that will impress your family and friends. The slow cooking method guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience, leaving you craving more. So, dust off your crock pot and get ready to indulge in BBQ perfection from the comfort of your own home!

Share your thoughts on how to cook BBQ chicken thighs in a crock pot in the Cooking Techniques forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for cooking BBQ chicken in a crock pot. Boneless thighs are often preferred because they cook faster and are easier to eat.

What is the ideal cooking time for BBQ chicken thighs in a crock pot?

The ideal cooking time for BBQ chicken thighs in a crock pot is approximately 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. This allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Should I remove the skin from the chicken thighs before cooking?

It is generally recommended to remove the skin from the chicken thighs before cooking in a crock pot. This helps the BBQ sauce penetrate the meat better and reduces the overall fat content of the dish.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

It is not recommended to use frozen chicken thighs for cooking in a crock pot. The chicken should be thawed completely to ensure even cooking and to prevent the risk of bacterial growth.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry in the crock pot?

To prevent the chicken thighs from becoming dry in the crock pot, it is important to use the appropriate amount of liquid, such as BBQ sauce or broth. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly and consider adding vegetables or other ingredients that release moisture during cooking.

Can I sear the chicken thighs before placing them in the crock pot?

While it is not necessary, you can sear the chicken thighs before placing them in the crock pot. Searing can add extra flavor and texture to the chicken. Simply heat a skillet with some oil and cook the chicken thighs until browned on each side before transferring them to the crock pot.

Can I finish the BBQ chicken thighs on the grill after cooking in the crock pot?

Yes, you can finish the BBQ chicken thighs on the grill after cooking in the crock pot. This step will give the chicken a smoky flavor and crisp up the skin. Just brush the chicken with additional BBQ sauce and grill for a few minutes on each side until nicely charred.

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