With a short list of simple, real food ingredients this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is brilliantly easy and so delicious. Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked barbecue dinner. Yum!

We don’t head back to school around here for another month, but that doesn’t mean I’m not always looking for ways to make dinner quick, easy, and healthy.

And when I’m in need of quick, healthy, and easy I often turn to my slow cooker. I love dumping a few simple ingredients in, hitting a button, and coming home to dinner waiting for me at the end of the day. So good.

This Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken is especially good for busy weeknights because it can be prepped in just a few minutes with a short list of simple pantry-staples. Plus everyone will love it.

Feel free to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Serve the juicy pulled chicken atop a whole wheat or gluten-free bun, in lettuce wraps, or in rice bowls.

A quick, simple slaw adds texture, crunch, and veggies to the chicken. We like 5-Ingredient Every Day Slaw.

Or, make a quick slaw by combining one-half of a Napa cabbage, thinly sliced (regular green cabbage would also work), a grated carrot, a sliced red bell pepper, the juice of one lemon, a tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir together in a bowl and let sit for a few minutes for the flavors to combine. You can’t go wrong!

Tip: If you prefer to use a store bought sauce, you’ll love this recipe Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe!

KID-FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS

1 | If your child prefers chicken with less sauce, hold some shredded meat aside before adding back to the slow cooker. Serve the shredded chicken with sauce on the side for dipping.

2 | Taste the smoked paprika before adding it to the recipe. Some can be on the spicy side, so omit it if yours is spicy and you have a child sensitive to heat.

THIS RECIPE IS . . .

Naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free and Refined Sugar-Free.


Image of Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken
5 stars (3 ratings)

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

With a short list of simple, real food ingredients this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is brilliantly easy and so delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Combine tomato sauce, honey, molasses, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, vinegar and salt in a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring until well combined.
  • Add the chicken, spooning some of the tomato mixture over to cover.
  • Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is very tender.
  • Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then add back to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
  • Serve the pulled chicken on buns, in lettuce wraps, or in rice bowls.

Notes

Chicken breast can also be used.
If you prefer to use store bought BBQ sauce, try this recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 200kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 496mg, Potassium: 499mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 192IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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