There is barbeque and then there is REAL GOOD barbeque! And Gigi’s Famous BBQ Thighs are REAL GOOD! Rubbed with a superb seasoning mixture and topped with your favorite tangy, sweet barbeque sauce and a little liquid smoke, these succulent chicken thighs are lovingly cooked in the slow cooker, then broiled for a crispy, one-of-a-kind taste! Gigi’s Famous BBQ Thighs are how she ensures everyone meets at her house every week… and soon enough, they’ll be visiting you to get some of that barbeque action! It’s REAL GOOD!
Ingredients
For the seasoning rub:
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the chicken:
- 3-4 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup barbeque sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- mixed green salad, optional, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –In a small bowl, add the garlic powder, the onion powder, the smoked paprika, the sea salt, and the brown sugar and whisk to combine.
Step 2 –On a cutting board, add the chicken thighs and, using a knife or kitchen scissors, trim off the excess fat.
Step 3 –Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get all sides and under the skin.
Step 4 –In a separate small bowl, add the barbeque sauce and the liquid smoke and whisk to combine.
Step 5 –In bottom of a slow cooker, add the seasoned chicken thighs and the barbeque sauce mixture and toss to lightly coat. Do not add any additional liquid to the slow cooker.
Step 6 –Cover and cook the chicken on high heat until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 2-3 hours, or on low heat for 4-5 hours.
Step 7 –Preheat the oven broiler.
Step 8 –Line an 18×26-inch baking sheet with foil.
Step 9 –With a pair of tongs, transfer the chicken thighs from the slow cooker, letting any excess liquid drip off.
Step 10 –Gently transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 11 –With a pastry brush, brush a small amount of the excess cooking liquid over top of the chicken thighs.
Step 12 –Broil the chicken thighs until the skin begins to sizzle and is slightly charred in some areas, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 13 –Transfer the chicken thighs to a wire rack to rest for 2-3 minutes.
Step 14 –Serve with the mixed green salad.
