Creating Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season: In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all chicken thighs.
3. Sear (Optional): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin side down, for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes. This step adds richness but can be skipped if you prefer a quicker method.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
5. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the thighs, then drizzle the barbecue sauce on top. Ensure that the sauce covers the chicken for optimal flavor.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with a lid. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
7. Shred or Serve Whole: Once done, you can serve the chicken thighs whole, or shred them using two forks for a different texture.
8. Garnish: Top with fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color.

Following these steps will allow you to create a mouthwatering dish that you will want to repeat often.