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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Chicken Thighs

Tender slow cooked chicken thighs in a rich Carolina Gold mustard barbecue sauce made with honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for bold Southern flavor.
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Two pieces of glazed chicken on mashed potatoes with green beans, bread, and a glass of soda in the background.
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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. This helps them brown properly during the searing step. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed so every bite has flavor.
  • Step 2: Sear the Chicken - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet. Let them cook without moving for several minutes until the skin becomes golden and slightly crisp. This step builds flavor and prevents the skin from tasting rubbery later.
  • Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker - Once the chicken is nicely seared, transfer the thighs to the slow cooker. Arrange them skin side up in a single layer so the sauce can cook evenly around them.
  • Step 4: Make the Carolina Gold Sauce - In a mixing bowl combine the yellow mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and fully blended. The sauce should look glossy and thick with a rich golden color.
  • Step 5: Add the Sauce - Pour the sauce around the chicken thighs rather than directly on top of the skin. This helps preserve some of the texture created during the searing step.
  • Step 6: Slow Cook - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. During this time the chicken becomes tender and the sauce slowly thickens while absorbing all the savory chicken flavor.
  • Step 7: Finish and Thicken - Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Allowing the slow cooker to remain uncovered helps the sauce reduce slightly and develop a richer texture. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully tender, it is ready to serve.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Dijon mustard: Replacing part of the yellow mustard with Dijon mustard adds extra depth and complexity.
  • Maple syrup: Maple syrup can replace the honey for a slightly richer sweetness.
  • Boneless chicken thighs: Boneless thighs cook a bit faster but still stay juicy in the slow cooker.
  • Chicken breasts: Chicken breasts can be used if preferred though they may be slightly less rich than thighs.

Variations

  • Spicy Carolina gold chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Caramelized finish: Place the cooked chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
  • Pulled Carolina gold chicken: Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the sauce for sandwiches.
  • Smoky barbecue version: Add a small splash of liquid smoke to deepen the barbecue flavor.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always sear first: Searing the chicken gives the finished dish a deeper flavor and better texture.
  • Keep the skin above the sauce: Pouring the sauce around the chicken helps keep the skin from becoming soggy.
  • Let the sauce thicken: Leaving the lid off during the final cooking stage allows the sauce to concentrate.
  • Use similar sized chicken pieces: Even sized thighs cook more evenly in the slow cooker.
  • Taste the sauce: If you prefer sweeter barbecue flavors you can add a little extra honey.

Serving Ideas

  • Steamed white rice: The rice soaks up the tangy sauce beautifully.
  • Creamy mashed potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing with rich sauce.
  • Buttery cornbread: Perfect for scooping up the Carolina Gold sauce.
  • Coleslaw: The cool crisp texture balances the rich chicken.
  • Sandwich buns: Shred the chicken and pile it onto buns for barbecue sandwiches.

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 leftovers slowly on the stovetop or microwave to keep the chicken tender.
  • Freeze for later: The cooked chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months.
  • Make ahead option: The sauce can be mixed the night before and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Meal prep friendly: Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches, rice bowls, or wraps.

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Servings: 6 servings
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