This BBQ boneless chicken thigh recipe is a slow-cooker delight, featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with a sweet and smoky brown sugar glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers a rich, caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce that pairs well with any side!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear for extra flavor: Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, quickly sear it in a pan to lock in juices and add a richer texture.
- Don’t overcook: Boneless thighs become extra tender in the crock pot, but cooking too long can make them fall apart. Stick to 4–6 hours on low.
- Balance the sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar and BBQ sauce ratio to your preference—less sugar for a tangier flavor, more for extra sweetness.
- Add a smoky touch: A teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke will enhance the barbecue flavor.
- Thicker sauce: For a thicker glaze, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes or mix a cornstarch slurry into the sauce.
- Shred or serve whole: You can serve the thighs whole or shred them for BBQ sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hands-off, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a backyard BBQ but requires no grilling, this is your recipe! The crock pot does all the work, transforming boneless chicken thighs into juicy, fall-apart bites coated in a luscious brown sugar glaze. The slow cooking process allows the rich BBQ sauce, garlic, and spices to deeply penetrate the meat, making every bite irresistibly good. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers convenience, versatility, and an explosion of flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fluffy dinner rolls.
BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Glaze
These crock pot BBQ boneless chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky brown sugar glaze for effortless comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the sauce stick better and enhances flavor absorption.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This rich, sweet, and tangy mixture will coat the chicken beautifully!
- Arrange in Crock Pot: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the prepared BBQ glaze over the top, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 30 minutes with the lid off.
- Serve and Enjoy! Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled corn for a perfect meal.
Notes
- If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by 30–60 minutes.
- To achieve a grilled finish, broil the cooked chicken for 3–5 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.
- This dish works great for meal prep—just store portions with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go meals.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 365Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 184mgSodium 976mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 1gSugar 23gProtein 37g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The dark meat stays juicy and absorbs flavors beautifully. You can also use bone-in thighs but may need to adjust the cooking time.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade for a custom flavor. A smoky, hickory-style sauce works great here.
- Brown sugar: Gives the glaze its signature sweetness and caramelized depth. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how rich you want the flavor.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential for adding depth and savoriness to the sauce. Fresh garlic works too!
- Smoked paprika: Adds a mild smoky kick without needing a grill.
- Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a little tang and enhances the BBQ flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster that deepens the overall taste.
- Salt & pepper: Simple but necessary to bring out all the flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Swap the protein: Try this glaze with boneless chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar: For a slightly different sweetness, replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Low-carb option: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit instead of brown sugar.
- Tangy twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice or orange juice for a fruity, tropical touch.
- Thicker sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Meal prep: Make ahead and store in portioned containers with sides like rice or roasted veggies for quick meals.
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