Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Short Description

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and effortless dish, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Requires minimal prep time and is cooked in a slow cooker for convenience
  • Uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry
  • Produces tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with rich honey garlic flavor
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • A versatile dish that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless or skin-on)
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ketchup
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Chicken broth
  • Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
  • Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish, optional)

Directions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and chicken broth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some of the cooking liquid, mix it with cornstarch, and return it to the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve the chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a bit of heat.
  • Teriyaki Twist: Swap out the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • Ginger Addition: Add grated fresh ginger to enhance the flavor.
  • Boneless Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless thighs; reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
  • Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may cook faster and can become dry, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Do I need to sear the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker?

Searing is optional but adds extra depth of flavor. If you have time, sear the chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker can accommodate the extra chicken without overcrowding.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

Rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair well with this chicken.

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, then quick release the pressure.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, mix the sauce ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.

How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes after cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are an easy, delicious, and versatile dish that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a simple dinner, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that pairs well with a variety of sides. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, flavorful meal!

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Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) / 2.5-3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: ~6 hours
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for a hands-off, hassle-free dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in, skin removed)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

2. Add to the Slow Cooker:

  • Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.

3. Cook Until Tender:

  • Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

  • Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry.
  • Stir into the sauce and let cook for 5-10 minutes on HIGH until thickened.
  • Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
  • Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies!

Notes

  • Want crispy chicken? Broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking for extra caramelization.
  • Use bone-in thighs for more flavor! Adjust cooking time to 6-7 hours on LOW.
  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or freezer for 3 months.

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