Frozen Chicken Thighs Crock Pot Recipe

Cook frozen chicken thighs to perfection using your crock pot! This recipe is beyond easy to make, and it results in the most delicious tender and juicy crock pot BBQ chicken thighs. 

I've been all about convenience lately when it comes to dinners, and this recipe has been my go-to way to cook chicken thighs. Honestly, cooking chicken thighs has never been easier, and you don't even need to defrost them for this recipe!

I love that I don't have to plan out dinner and can just whip this up a few hours in advance. The entire recipe is hands-off, too, so it's perfect for busy weeknights! Just like my baked frozen chicken breast recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You only need 2 ingredients. Seriously, chicken thighs and your favorite barbecue sauce are all you need to make frozen chicken thighs in the crock pot.

It's effortless. I wasn't kidding when I said this recipe is all hands-off. You just put the ingredients in your crock pot, and it takes care of the rest. I don't think dinner can get any easier!

It makes perfect chicken thighs. The meat is super juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender, filled with barbecue flavor in every bite. 

It's versatile. I love that this recipe gives me a delicious base to build a complete meal. Some nights I'll pair the chicken with rice and a house salad, and other nights, with these cream cheese mashed potatoes and old fashioned cornbread. It's delicious with anything!

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen chicken thighs- You can use boneless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken thighs. 
• Barbecue sauce- your favorite one! 

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs In The Crock Pot

Step 1: Prep the chicken. Take out your slow cooker and lay the frozen chicken thighs on the bottom of the pot. If they're stuck together, you'll want to put them in a single line like I did. If they're separated, you can distribute them around the pot.

Step 2: Add the sauce and cook. Pour the BBQ sauce of choice over the chicken thighs, making sure the chicken is fully covered. Close the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. If your chicken was frozen together, break it apart after about 3 hours of cooking.

Step 3: Serve. Once the chicken is cooked, if you want, you can shred the chicken in the crock pot with two forks. Then mix the shredded chicken in the sauce before serving. If not, serve the full chicken thighs with extra barbecue sauce and fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Check on the chicken throughout cooking and make sure there is enough sauce in the crock pot. If there isn't, add more BBQ sauce.
• Don't overcrowd your slow cooker! You want to make sure the chicken thighs aren't overlapping, or they won't cook evenly.
• You'll know the chicken is done cooking when the meat is super tender, and it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F.
• If you're using bone-in chicken thighs, let them rest in the crock pot for 20 minutes after cooking. 
• Change up the sauce! A hot honey barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a mix of BBQ and Dijon mustard would be delicious.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

You can store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or sealed bag before putting them in the fridge. Don't freeze any leftovers since the chicken was cooked from frozen.

I've found the best way to reheat these chicken thighs is in the oven. Place them in a baking dish lightly covered with aluminum foil and warm at 325°F for 5-10 minutes or until they reach your desired temperature. 

More Crock Pot Recipes

• Frozen meatballs in the crock pot
• Slow cooker frozen roast
• Crock pot frozen turkey breast
• Frozen chicken in the crock pot
• Crock pot BBQ pork chops