Name: Classic Crockpot BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Savor the smoky, tangy goodness of Classic Crockpot BBQ Chicken, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich, homemade BBQ sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken that melts in your mouth, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, with flavors that elevate any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave bold, comforting flavors without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with a homemade BBQ sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky. It’s versatile—serve it shredded on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides. The sauce is customizable, letting you tweak the heat or sweetness to your liking. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to time and again.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Low and Slow: Cook on low for the most tender results; high heat can dry out the chicken.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop after cooking to thicken.
Browning Option: For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs lightly before adding them to the crockpot.
Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce before serving and adjust with more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
Shredding Ease: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly and evenly.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day in advance to let the flavors meld for an even deeper taste.

Yield: Serves 6

Classic Crockpot BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce

Tender crockpot BBQ chicken with a tangy, homemade sauce—perfect for easy, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup ketchup
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all your ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable. This recipe is all about simplicity and bold flavors!
Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and water until smooth.
Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot, spreading them out evenly for consistent cooking.
Pour the Sauce: Generously pour the homemade BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Set and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, letting the chicken soak up all that tangy goodness.
Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and perfect texture.
Shred the Chicken: Using two forks or a hand mixer, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce for juicy bites.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Taste and Tweak: Give the sauce a quick taste—add more brown sugar for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a delicious meal!

Notes

For a smokier flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
If using bone-in chicken, increase cooking time by 1 hour on low.
Double the sauce recipe if you love extra for dipping or drizzling.
Leftovers make amazing tacos, wraps, or pizza toppings!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 332Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 184mgSodium 897mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 1gSugar 17gProtein 37g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their juicy texture, but bone-in thighs or breasts work too.
Ketchup: Forms the base of the sauce, providing a sweet and tangy foundation; choose a high-quality brand.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick to balance the sweetness; white vinegar is a suitable substitute.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the sauce’s sweetness and helps create a caramelized depth; honey or molasses can work too.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and complexity; soy sauce can be used in a pinch.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness; regular paprika works but won’t have the same smoky profile.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Add savory depth; fresh minced garlic or onion can be used for a bolder flavor.
Chili Powder: Provides a mild heat; adjust to taste or swap with cayenne for more spice.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery twist.
Sweeter Sauce: Increase brown sugar or add molasses for a richer, sweeter profile.
Different Protein: Swap chicken for pork shoulder or jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or reduce the brown sugar for a lighter sauce.
Gluten-Free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, or replace it with tamari.
Smokier Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for an authentic BBQ taste without a grill.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store cooked BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Meal Prep: Portion into containers with sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes for easy lunches.