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Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Chicken Thighs

These Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet tangy mustard barbecue sauce. This easy Southern inspired slow cooker recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners.
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Juicy beef ribs served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh bread on a rustic plate.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 20 minutes

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

  • Step 1: Season the chicken - Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure both sides of the chicken are well coated with the seasoning.
  • Step 2: Sear the chicken - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for several minutes until the skin becomes golden and crisp looking. You are not cooking the chicken through here. The goal is simply to develop flavor and color.
  • Step 3: Transfer to the slow cooker - Place the seared chicken thighs skin side up in the slow cooker. Keeping the skin facing up helps maintain some of its texture while the chicken cooks.
  • Step 4: Make the Carolina gold sauce - In a small bowl whisk together the yellow mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The sauce should be thick and glossy with a bright golden color.
  • Step 5: Add the sauce - Pour the sauce around the chicken rather than directly over the skin. This helps keep the chicken skin from becoming too soft while it cooks.
  • Step 6: Slow cook - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. During this time the chicken will become incredibly tender and the sauce will absorb the flavor of the chicken.
  • Step 7: Thicken the sauce - Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to reduce slightly and become thicker and richer. Once done, spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Dijon mustard option: Replace part of the yellow mustard with Dijon mustard for a slightly deeper and sharper flavor.
  • Maple syrup swap: Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
  • Boneless chicken thighs: Boneless thighs work well and cook a bit faster while still staying juicy.
  • Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks can be used if that is what you have available.

Variations

  • Spicy Carolina gold chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mustard sauce for a little heat.
  • Caramelized finish: After slow cooking, place the chicken under the broiler briefly to crisp and caramelize the skin.
  • Pulled barbecue chicken: Shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce for sandwiches.
  • Extra smoky flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika directly into the sauce for deeper barbecue flavor.

Tips and Tricks

  • Sear for better flavor: Browning the chicken first adds richness and prevents the skin from tasting rubbery.
  • Keep the skin above the sauce: Pouring the sauce around the chicken helps maintain the texture of the skin.
  • Use bone in thighs when possible: Bone in chicken tends to stay juicier during slow cooking.
  • Allow sauce to reduce: Letting the sauce cook uncovered at the end thickens it into a rich glaze.
  • Taste the sauce before cooking: If you like a slightly sweeter sauce you can add a touch more honey.

Serving Ideas

  • Classic rice plate: Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice and spoon extra sauce on top.
  • Creamy mashed potatoes: The tangy sauce pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes.
  • Southern style coleslaw: A crisp slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
  • Toasted sandwich buns: Shred the chicken and serve it as barbecue chicken sandwiches.
  • Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted green beans or carrots for a balanced meal.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerator storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently: Warm the chicken slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a spoonful of sauce to keep it moist.
  • Freeze for later: The cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Make ahead option: You can prepare the sauce and season the chicken the night before to save time.
  • Meal prep friendly: The chicken reheats beautifully and can be used in wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls.
Servings: 6 servings