The BEST Sticky Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is sticky, sweet, and fall-apart tender with caramelized edges, all made hands-off with no grill required.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 5

Servings servings

Calories 143kcal

Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
8 pieces of chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss to combine. Once the chicken is fully coated, place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high.
The chicken is ready when an internal temperature reaches 165°F. I like to keep the chicken cooking for a little longer and pull it around 180°F as I feel it is more tender.
Preheat the broiler to high. Line a sheet tray with foil. Place the chicken pieces on the foil not touching. Brush with the bbq sauce all over the top of the chicken.
1-2 cups bbq sauce
Broil until lightly golden and caramelized, and bubbly; keep watching as this will only take a few minutes. Turn the pieces over, and brush with extra barbecue sauce. Broil again. Repeat one more time until the chicken is caramelized and sticky. The amount of sauce you use depends on your personal preference how saucy you like your chicken, and serve.

You can use your favorite rub or my homemade rub I have provided.
Any pieces of chicken will work for this recipe.
Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make homemade.
You can double this recipe, just use a large slow cooker but cooking times may vary so check with a kitchen thermometer.
This can be cooked on low for 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
Broiling is involved in this so you are able to get the BBQ sauce nice and sticky on that chicken.
If you don't want to broil, just drain juices from slow cooker and stir in BBQ sauce and toss to coat.