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crockpot carolina chicken thighs
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Crockpot Carolina Gold BBQ Chicken Thighs

These crockpot Carolina Gold BBQ chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, tangy mustard-based sauce. Searing first builds flavor, then slow cooking lets the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce thicken into that signature Southern-style glaze.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 hours
Total Time5 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • ¾ cup yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Season the chicken thighs evenly on both sides.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the thighs skin-side down until the skin is golden and crisped up. This step adds so much flavor, so don’t rush it.
  • Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, placing it skin-side up.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce around the chicken rather than directly over the skin so it stays intact while cooking.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  • During the last 30 minutes, uncover the slow cooker to let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.