Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs & Legs
Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Perfect for a No-Hot-Kitchen Day
If you love easy, hands-off meals that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken is about to become a favorite. Tender chicken thighs and drumsticks slow-cooked in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, butter, garlic powder, and pepper create a rich, savory-sweet dish that practically falls off the bone.
Best of all, your house stays cool while your dinner cooks itself—just one more reason to love the crockpot.
🧾 Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds chicken thighs and legs (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 bottle (18 oz) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your favorite brand)
- ½ stick real butter (4 tablespoons), sliced into pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt (only if needed—BBQ sauce is already salty)
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Lightly grease your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little butter.
Place the chicken thighs and legs evenly inside the crockpot.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle garlic powder and ground pepper evenly over the chicken.
If using optional seasonings (onion powder, paprika), add them now.
Step 3: Add the Sauce & Butter
Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
Dot the top with slices of butter.
(This step adds richness and deepens the sauce flavor.)
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 6 hours
or - HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
🔥 Optional: Crisp the Skin (Extra Flavor!)
For caramelized edges and crispy skin:
- Preheat your oven broiler
- Transfer chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet
- Brush with extra BBQ sauce
- Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely
This step is optional but adds amazing texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crockpot BBQ Chicken with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Steamed rice
- Buttered green beans
Drizzle extra sauce from the crockpot over everything—don’t waste that flavor!
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use thighs and legs for the juiciest texture
- Remove skin before cooking if you prefer less grease
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce for tang
- Double the sauce if serving a crowd
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
⭐ Final Thoughts
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. It’s rich, tender, saucy, and ridiculously easy—perfect for warm days when you don’t want a hot kitchen but still want a home-cooked meal.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why the crockpot deserves all the love 🍗❤️
