Summer is here, and it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ chicken thighs. However, not everyone has the luxury of a grill or the time to tend to it. That's where slow cookers come in handy. With a slow cooker, you can achieve the same tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken thighs without any fuss. In this article, we'll share some mouth-watering BBQ chicken thighs slow cooker recipes that will make your taste buds dance.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy people. They allow you to prepare meals in advance and let them cook for hours without any supervision. This means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to do other things. Slow cookers also make meat incredibly tender and juicy by cooking it low and slow. Plus, they're energy-efficient and don't heat up your kitchen like an oven would.
Recipe 1: Classic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients: - 6 bone-in chicken thighs - 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce - 1/2 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp smoked paprika - Salt and pepper Instructions: 1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. 3. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 5. Serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe 2: Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients: - 6 bone-in chicken thighs - 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper Instructions: 1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. 2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. 3. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 5. Serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe 3: Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients: - 6 bone-in chicken thighs - 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tbsp rice vinegar - 1 tbsp sesame oil - 1 tbsp grated ginger - 1 tbsp minced garlic - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper Instructions: 1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. 2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt. 3. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 5. Serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Thighs in a Slow Cooker
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. - Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any additional spices before adding the sauce. - Choose a BBQ sauce with a flavor you love, or make your own. - Add some sweetness to the sauce with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup. - Use acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar or citrus to balance out the sweetness. - Add some spice with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. - For a crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs in the oven for a few minutes after cooking in the slow cooker. - Serve with your favorite sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or baked beans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BBQ chicken thighs slow cooker recipes are a game-changer for busy people who still want to enjoy delicious and tender chicken. With these three recipes and tips, you can make restaurant-quality BBQ chicken thighs in the comfort of your own home. So fire up your slow cooker and get ready for some finger-licking goodness!
