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Tender Slow Cooker Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Thighs

slow cooker Memphis-style BBQ chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with smoky, sweet, and tangy Memphis-style BBQ flavors using a fuss-free slow cooker method. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: splash of liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
  3. Generously coat each chicken thigh with the dry rub, covering all sides.
  4. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey or molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add liquid smoke if using.
  6. Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
  8. Optional: For a caramelized crust, transfer thighs to a baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely.
  9. If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stove until thickened, then toss chicken back in to coat.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before applying rub to help flavor stick and develop a crust. Cooking on low yields juicier meat. Optional broiling adds a caramelized crust. Sauce can be thickened on stove if too thin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and juiciness. Adjust cayenne pepper for spice tolerance. Can substitute boneless or skinless thighs but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ chicken, Memphis-style, chicken thighs, easy dinner, tender chicken, crockpot recipe, smoky BBQ

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/tender-slow-cooker-memphis-style-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-and-delicious/