This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect solution for a busy day when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without much effort. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it a great hands-off recipe.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and spices creates a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: Cooking low and slow ensures that the chicken thighs become incredibly tender.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Ketchup
• Oyster sauce (optional)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Water
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, oyster sauce (if using), apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Slow Cook: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce: If desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for another 15 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat.
• Tangy Twist: Replace apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low heat and using bone-in chicken thighs can help keep the meat juicy.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but they may cook faster, so check for doneness after 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before opening the lid.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Add extra cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and let it cook longer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavors are usually a hit with kids.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! Carrots, bell peppers, and onions work well in this dish.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat without drying out the chicken?

Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is a foolproof dish that delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal!

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