OPTIONAL STEP: On a hot flat griddle or a large cast iron skillet, lightly oil, salt and pepper chicken thighs and flash seer on each side; until a light crust has formed. Remove from heat, reserve juices from standing.

If you are proficient with a smoker/grill, you can do this there; instead of a crockpot. Preheat a cast iron pot and lid with indirect heat to 300°. Roll some fruit smoke if desired.

Set Crockpot to High. Add chicken thighs

Thoroughly combine Dr. Pepper through sweet onion in sauce pan and heat to low for 10 minutes. (if you have flash seered the thighs, add the juice from the platter they rested on.)

Pour 2 cups of sauce over chicken, reserving rest of sauce for sliders.

Crock on high and covered, cook for 5 hours. IF YOU ARE DOING IT ON YOUR GRILL OR SMOKER, 275-300°, a quick check about 4 hours and a couple stirs.