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71 Comments

Easy Crock Pot BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Updated: Jun 11, 2024

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This post may contain affiliate links.

Who can resist juicy, tender BBQ boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked with the ease of the slow cooker?  Hands-off cooking has never been so easy or delicious!  Coated with a simple rub then bathed in your favorite sauce with just a few tweaks, fabulous fall-apart BBQ chicken with layers of flavor is served.

Easy Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs


Sometimes dinner has to find a way get on the table even when we are busy doing other things.  Enter these easy BBQ chicken thighs.  Super simple, but not short on flavor and definitely not short on family approval.  

Related Recipes: Tender Roasted Buttermilk Chicken, Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders

And everyone definitely knows when they’re on the menu too.  It’s not long after the slow cooker lid is closed that rich, smoky flavors and simmering sauce waft through the house making tempting promises of the meal to come. One by one, family members drift in, “Are we having that BBQ chicken?”

Boneless Crock pot BBQ Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Ingredients for Crock Pot BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

  • boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • butter
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • dijon mustard
  • favorite BBQ sauce (or this homemade recipe)
  • salt, pepper, garlic, paprika
  • crock pot/slow cooker
slow cooker Boneless BBQ Chicken Thigh sliced to show juiciness

How to Make the Best Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

The Rub. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Rub on each chicken thigh. Place thighs in bottom of crock pot. Put ½ tablespoon pat of butter on each thigh.

The Sauce. In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix BBQ sauce, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Pour sauce over thighs.

Slow Cooker Magic. Put on the lid and cook on high 3-4 hours.

close up of crock pot BBQ boneless skinless chicken thighs

Variations for this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Sometimes, we like to mix it up sometimes by adding a little heat to our sauce.  If you like a spicy kick, you could too!  Here are 3 ways we amp it up depending on what we have on hand:

  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes,
  • 1-2 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco),
  • use this hot BBQ sauce from one of our Memphis favorites as our sauce base.
Crock pot BBQ CHicken THighs

What to Serve With Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs

Any of these side dishes make a great meal when paired with this simple BBQ chicken recipe:

  • Creamy Dill Potato Salad
  • Ultimate Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
  • Hawaiian Baked Beans
  • Southern Deviled Egg Potato Salad
  • Southern Macaroni Salad
  • Creamy Southern Coleslaw

This easy Crock Pot Chicken recipe is a great way to gather your people around the table without a lot of fuss.  Saucy grins and requests for seconds tell it all!

chicken thigh inspiration

Other Easy Slow Cooker/ BBQ Recipes You’ll Love

  • Cherry Cola BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Shredded Chicken BBQ Sandwiches
  • Crock Pot BBQ Beef Pot Roast
  • Whiskey Peach BBQ Meatballs
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
  • BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos
7 winter BBQ dishes you can enjoy right now. Easy kitchen or crock pot recipes that whip up delicious BBQ recipes you can enjoy all year long.

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse
Easy Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs

Easy Crock Pot BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Who can resist juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs in the ease of the crock pot? Coated with a simple rub then bathed in your favorite sauce with just a few tweaks, dinner is served!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ, Easy Recipe, Slow Cooker
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ tablespoon butter FOR EACH THIGH
  • 1 ¾ C BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Rub on each chicken thigh. Place thighs in bottom of crock pot. Put ½ tablespoon pat of butter on each thigh.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix BBQ sauce, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Pour sauce over thighs.
  • Cook on high 3-4 hours.
Easy Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs
Did you make my Easy Crock Pot BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs?Show me how it went! Share on Instagram, tag @southerndiscourse, and use the hashtag #SouthernDiscourse!
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Who can resist juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs in the ease of the crock pot? Coated with a simple rub then bathed in your favorite sauce with just a few tweaks, dinner is served! #chickenrecipes #slowcookerrecipes #BBQchicken #boneless #skinless
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Filed Under: Main Dishes, Recipes Tagged With: chicken, slow cooker, summer suppers

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Avatar photoKarla

    July 29, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    5 stars
    I love how easy and quick this easy. What made it for me was mixing the bbq sauce with the dijon mustard. Just enough tanginess for me. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      July 30, 2020 at 10:28 am

      Hi, Karla!

      I am just tickled that you loved this recipe! It is definitely a go-to for us. And I love jazzing up BBQ sauce for extra layer of flavor!

      Reply
  2. Avatar photoLisa

    August 11, 2020 at 11:29 pm

    Would it be possible to double the recipe up the time also? Do you think it would cook fully?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoTerry

      September 13, 2020 at 7:54 am

      Do you know how many calories you on 1 chicken thigh and is 1 thigh considered a serving?
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Stacey Pirtlestacey

        September 14, 2020 at 11:08 am

        Hi, Terry! I am sorry, but I don’t have the caloric information as it would depend on which BBQ sauce you use in your dish. 1 chicken thigh is a serving size for me, but my husband and son eat two. Hope this helps!

        Reply
        • Avatar photoBarbara

          April 3, 2021 at 8:21 am

          5 stars
          I use a sugar free BBQ sauce. Makes it very low in calories.

          Reply
          • Stacey Pirtlestacey

            April 7, 2021 at 1:19 pm

            Hi, Barbara! Absolutely! Great low carb, low calorie delicious recipe. Love that you are enjoying it!

    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 14, 2020 at 11:05 am

      Hi, Lisa! Yes, doubling the recipe works. I am not sure that you have to double the time though. It should cook the same regardless. Most importantly, chicken should have an internal temperature of 165F when fully cooked. If cooking it longer makes you feel more comfortable, try 6-8 hrs on low. It should be delish!

      Reply
  3. Avatar photoTerry

    September 15, 2020 at 7:12 am

    5 stars
    I made these BBQ boneless thighs last night cooked for 4 hours the best
    The meat was so tender
    Great little kick to the sauce
    I served with roasted potato and a salad
    Would definitely recommend trying this recipe

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 15, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      Hi, Terry!

      This is awesome! I am just tickled that you loved this recipe! And the potatoes and salad sound like the perfect complements for this dish. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    • Avatar photoPam

      February 19, 2021 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      Our new go-to chicken thigh recipe! Delicious!

      Reply
      • Stacey Pirtlestacey

        February 20, 2021 at 1:35 pm

        Hi, Pam! Thank you for making my day! I’m so glad you love this recipe.

        Reply
  4. Avatar photoBonnie Traboulsi

    October 26, 2020 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    Do you know how much time I should add if I use bone-in thighs?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      October 27, 2020 at 11:09 am

      Hi, Bonnie! I would start with 4 hours, use a meat thermometer to test doneness and add extra time after if needed. Chicken should be at 165 degrees Fahrenheit when fully cooked.

      Reply
      • Avatar photoSasha Bland

        November 12, 2020 at 10:20 am

        Dose the chicken have to be on Fall before it goes into the Crock-Pot or can it be frozen?

        Reply
        • Stacey Pirtlestacey

          November 13, 2020 at 9:17 am

          Hi, Sasha! They can go in frozen. The cook time will be longer however. Look to add at least another hour or so.

          Reply
          • Avatar photoPaul

            December 10, 2022 at 8:48 pm

            I want to replace the Worstershire sauce with something else, any suggestions for a drop in replacement?

          • Stacey Pirtlestacey

            December 13, 2022 at 10:19 am

            Hi, Paul! Do you have another savory sauce or marinade you would like to use? Maybe like Dale’s? (I’m not sure if that is sold in your area.) Honestly, I don’t have another suggestion. The Worcestershire is included to bring a solid umami background flavor to the sauce so that it doesn’t get to sweet, but has a round full flavor. If you have another sauce that is available to you in your area that you prefer and brings the same flavor, I would try that to see what you think!

  5. Avatar photoSabrina

    November 2, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    Is it possible to cook this on low for 8-9 hours while at work or will the chicken come out over cooked? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      November 13, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Hi, Sabrina! If needing that much time, I would suggest (1) using frozen thighs and (2) maybe adding a little water- maybe 1/2-1 C just to add a little more liquid. If you try it, let me know how it works out!

      Reply
  6. Avatar photoJennifer Tidwell

    November 19, 2020 at 8:58 am

    I was just wondering if I can replace the thighs with breast?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      November 20, 2020 at 8:14 am

      Hi, Jennifer! Yes, you can. Chicken breast is drier than thighs, so you might want to add 1/2 C water. Just to make sure the chicken stays nice and juicy. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoJennifer Tidwell

        November 20, 2020 at 9:31 am

        Ok. Thank you so much for responding. I am starting it now and I will let you know how it goes!

        Reply
        • Stacey Pirtlestacey

          November 20, 2020 at 10:18 am

          Can’t wait to hear about it! You could also do chicken broth/stock instead of water. Just to reinforce flavor.

          Reply
  7. Avatar photoElizabeth LeConey

    December 23, 2020 at 9:49 am

    Do you have an idea of how long to make this using an instant pot instead of a slow cooker?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 23, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      Hi, Elizabeth! I have not cooked them in an instant pot, but I think I would try about 10 minutes for boneless thighs. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  8. Avatar photoMichelle

    February 11, 2021 at 8:15 am

    5 stars
    I made these overnight in my crockpot…and just had a small thigh for breakfast (just the small thigh and a slice of rye bread-morning yumminess)! Tasty, juicy and flavorful. Thanks for this recipe. This is a keeper. Too bad I could not upload a photo.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      February 20, 2021 at 2:01 pm

      Hi, Michelle! Oh, I wish you could have uploaded a photo too! I would have love to have seen it. If you do Instagram, you can upload and tag me there. What fun! Thank you so much for loving and making this recipe!

      Reply
  9. Avatar photoMarie

    March 28, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner tonight. It was delicious!! I will have this on my rotation from now on. Some of the best I’ve ever had and so easy. I used the SBR no sugar added bbq sauce & I forgot to add the butter but OMG it was good!!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      March 31, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      Hi, Marie! That is so awesome! It made my day to hear that you loved it so much. It is definitely a go-to around here!

      Reply
  10. Avatar photoRachelle

    June 1, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good…Thank you…Will share with family and friends

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      June 19, 2021 at 11:39 am

      Hi, Rachelle! I am so glad you loved this recipe! It is so easy and convenient. Thank you so much!

      Reply
  11. Avatar photoScott A Doyle

    July 2, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    5 stars
    Making this for the third time for my family! Absolutely love it great recipe! There are never leftovers!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      July 22, 2021 at 9:59 pm

      Thanks, Scott! That is fantastic! I am just super tickled that your family loves these chicken thighs. Made my day!

      Reply
  12. Avatar photoLaura

    August 6, 2021 at 8:24 am

    I do t have Dijon mustard. Will it still work or can you suggest a replacement?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      August 6, 2021 at 8:40 am

      Hi, Laura! Regular mustard will definitely work too! Hope you love this easy dinner idea.

      Reply
  13. Avatar photoDorothy Wolfe

    September 22, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    5 stars
    Wonderful! Only took about 2 1/2 hours on high in my crockpot. I think longer would dry out the meat. I did use boneless, skinless thighs. Will use again! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 23, 2021 at 11:56 am

      Hi, Dorothy! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Made my day!

      Reply
  14. Avatar photoLisa

    March 18, 2022 at 1:18 am

    What is the point of the butter since there is already moisture (sauce) on the thighs?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      March 18, 2022 at 12:32 pm

      Hi, Lisa! The point of the butter is not moisture, but flavor & texture. It adds a richness and roundness of flavor to the sauce and chicken, as well as keeping the thighs tender as they cook. Because it cooks for a long time, sometimes crock pot chicken can be rubbery in texture. It’s also important to note that this recipe uses real butter, not margarine. Margarine does not deliver the same results. Enjoy!

      Reply
  15. Avatar photoDAVID SCOTT JEFFREY

    June 6, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    5 stars
    Made this last night, and good gravy is it ever good!!
    Perfect marriage with the bar-b-q sauce and the dijon mustard!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    My roommate and I loved it !
    🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      June 10, 2022 at 9:46 am

      Wow, David! You are so very welcome! I am just tickled you loved this crock pot recipe! It’s a favorite go-to at our house!

      Reply
  16. Avatar photoStephanie Johnston

    September 10, 2022 at 4:03 pm

    Would it be ok to cook on low 6-7 hours?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 12, 2022 at 3:15 pm

      Hi, Stephanie! Yes, that should work just fine! You may want to add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the recipe just to ensure there is enough liquid for the extra cooking time.

      Reply
  17. Avatar photoLaura

    September 25, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tonight and loved it! I just used plain old Kraft BBQ sauce and cooked on high for a little over 4 hours. It came out perfect and not dry at all. This will be on my regular rotation now – thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 30, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      Hi, Laura! You are so welcome! It makes my day that you will make this recipe on the regular!

      Reply
  18. Avatar photoToni

    October 16, 2022 at 8:38 am

    Can you use olive oil instead of butter?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      October 17, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      Hi, Toni!

      In my opinion, olive oil would not be a good substitute for the butter in this recipe for two reasons: taste and texture. Butter contains milk solids, proteins, salt and water in addition to fats while olive oil is only comprised of fats. All of the components of the butter work with the other ingredients to create a fuller bodied, creamy (vs. oily) sauce, in addition to creating just the right flavor profile. Olive oil can bring its own flavor to a dish (depending on which kind is used) and is not a 1:1 substitution, making it a tricky sub in lots of cases.

      Reply
  19. Avatar photoHelen

    November 20, 2022 at 11:46 am

    Was wondering if you can put the bbcue sauce in your recipe on top of the chicken as it is or if you need to cook the bbcue sauce first?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      November 21, 2022 at 11:36 am

      Hi, Helen!

      If you would like to put this “doctored” BBQ sauce on top of your chicken after cooking the chicken in the sauce, I usually just use the extra sauce that is in the crock pot. If you would like to whip up this sauce to put it on top of something else, it does need to be cooked first, just to reduce the sauce a bit and let the flavors really come out.

      Reply
  20. Avatar photoJanice Ochs

    July 28, 2023 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    One of our favorite meals! Made it many times

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      July 29, 2023 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks, Janice! This makes my day!

      Reply
  21. Avatar photoDonna Turner

    September 7, 2023 at 12:18 pm

    5 stars
    So Delicious and my family loves the chicken.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      September 8, 2023 at 9:29 am

      Hi, Donna! I am so tickled to hear this! Makes my day!

      Reply
  22. Avatar photoJudy

    November 5, 2023 at 7:07 pm

    5 stars
    This is a very delicious recipe!! I didn’t have dijon but used yellow mustard instead.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      November 8, 2023 at 10:33 pm

      Hi, Judy! That’s awesome! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  23. Avatar photoDawn

    June 17, 2024 at 12:39 pm

    can you cook in slow cooker for 6 hrs on low instead?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      June 17, 2024 at 9:44 pm

      Hi, Dawn! Yes, you can! Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoDawn

        June 18, 2024 at 7:28 am

        5 stars
        Tried it yesterday for 6 hours in the crockpot on low, and it was perfect! The meat literally fell off the bone, we cut it with a fork! Served it with a rice pilaf, and we definitely will be making this again!

        Reply
        • Stacey PirtleStacey

          June 18, 2024 at 11:32 am

          Love it!! So glad! Thank you for making this recipe!

          Reply
  24. Avatar photoDee

    July 19, 2024 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    I just made this chicken today. Very easy and absolutely delicious! I love slow cooker meals like this! It pairs well with my spicy baked beans. This is the 1st recipe I have tried from your site…definitely won’t be my last! Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      July 30, 2024 at 2:16 pm

      HI, Dee! Yay!! You are so welcome! This makes my day. ❤️ I can’t wait to hear more!

      Reply
  25. Avatar photoSonRay

    August 9, 2024 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    These Chicken Thighs look delicious! I’m going to plan to make this weekend! Think I’ll cook them without the sauce and put bbq sauce on the side!

    Reply
  26. Avatar photoPat

    August 14, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    5 stars
    excellent !!! easy I fixed this on a hot summer day for company and it was delish and did not heat up the kitchen.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      August 29, 2024 at 11:46 pm

      Hi, Pat! Thank you so much!! Love this! And thank you for making it to share with company. That’s what good food is all about! ❤️

      Reply
  27. Avatar photoLily M

    November 19, 2024 at 7:59 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! Went very well with mashed potatoes and frozen peas & carrots. Simple and easy with great results.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      November 22, 2024 at 10:53 am

      Hi, Lily! Love it!! Thank you! I am so tickled you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply
  28. Avatar photoKathy

    January 19, 2025 at 9:24 pm

    5 stars
    This was amazing! I put regular mustard instead of Dijon by mistake and it still tasted delicious! I served it with rice and steamed mixed veggies. Has lots of sauce too which was nice. I wish I would have taken a pic though. Next time! I’ll definitely be making this again. Maybe I’ll serve them with mashed potatoes next time. Thanks for sharing your recipe. 👌🏻😋

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      March 25, 2025 at 5:15 pm

      Hi, Kathy! Awesome! I would love to see a pic! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. I like lots of sauce too! So good over rice or potatoes served on the side. ❤️

      Reply
  29. Avatar photoCMBerman

    February 7, 2025 at 8:34 pm

    5 stars
    Super simple. Done in no time. Served with yellow rice.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      March 25, 2025 at 4:29 pm

      Love this! Thank you!

      Reply

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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