Ingredients:

  • 1.5 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 480 ml smoky BBQ sauce
  • 60 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 45 ml honey
  • 10 ml smoked paprika
  • 5 ml garlic powder
  • 2.5 ml liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Onion Base: Scatter the thinly sliced yellow onions across the bottom of the slow cooker. Note: This creates a natural trivet that protects the chicken from direct contact with the heating element.
  2. Whisk the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 480 ml BBQ sauce, 60 ml apple cider vinegar, 45 ml honey, 10 ml smoked paprika, 5 ml garlic powder, 2.5 ml liquid smoke, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Toss the 1.5 kg chicken thighs in the sauce mixture until they are completely submerged and coated.
  4. Layer the Pot: Nestle the coated chicken thighs directly on top of the onion layer. Do not add extra water.
  5. Set the Heat: Cover and cook on 'High' for 4 hours (or 'Low' for 7 hours). Cook until the chicken is easily pierced with a fork and reaches 74°C (165°F).
  6. Remove and Rest: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board or bowl. Note: Letting it sit for 5 minutes before shredding helps the fibers retain more juice.
  7. Shred the Ribbons: Use two forks to pull the meat apart into thick, rustic ribbons. Avoid shredding too finely to maintain a satisfying texture.
  8. Reincorporate and Toss: Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and toss thoroughly with the onions and remaining sauce.
  9. Final Rest: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 10 minutes on the 'Warm' setting until the meat absorbs the liquid.
  10. Serve: Pile the chicken high on buns or over potatoes while it is steaming and glossy. > Chef's Tip: If your sauce looks a little thin after shredding, leave the lid off the slow cooker for the final 15 minutes of the 'Warm' cycle. The excess moisture will evaporate, leaving behind a thick, jammy coating. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Silky Curry in 4 Hours 15 Minutes — Master this slow cooker butter chicken recipe for a creamy, homemade meal. In...Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos for 7 Servings — Make creamy Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos with this step-by-step timing gui...Asian Chicken Wraps: 30 Minute Recipe — Master flavorful Asian Chicken Wraps with this 30-minute recipe. Includes a s... $img_2$