Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs dish has saved me more times than I can count. It’s simple enough for even the most beginner cook, and the slow cooker does all the work! I swear, sometimes I think my slow cooker is my best friend! It has made the best honey garlic chicken crock pot and it is the best thing to come home to after a long day.

Trust me, once you try this honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! It’s seriously that good.

INGREDIENTS FOR honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs:

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my famous honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs.

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• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I always use boneless, skinless because it’s just easier and healthier, but you can use bone-in, skin-on if that’s your preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• 1/2 cup honey: I always use a good quality, local honey for my honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs. It just adds a richer flavor.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Low sodium is the way to go to control the saltiness of the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s what gives this dish that amazing flavor. I usually buy the pre-minced garlic to save time.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This adds a little tang to balance out the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Using a higher quality oil helps the flavor of the honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil The sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor and aroma to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: You can also use fresh ginger, grated, if you prefer.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick! My kids love it when I add a pinch.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the sauce at the end.
• 2 tablespoons water: To make a cornstarch slurry.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish: These are totally optional, but they add a nice touch.

When making honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. I usually stock up on honey and soy sauce when they’re on sale. Here’s a honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs trick I learned from my mom: always have a jar of minced garlic in the fridge! It saves so much time on busy weeknights.

As for storage, I keep my honey in a cool, dark place and my soy sauce in the fridge after opening. Fresh garlic should be stored in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard. Now that you know what you need for honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, lets get cooking!

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:

Okay, here we go! Let’s walk through how to make this incredibly easy and delicious honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs. I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds!

1. Prep the Chicken: First, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and prevents them from getting too soggy in the slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is the heart of your honey garlic sauce for chicken, so make sure everything is well combined.
3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each thigh is evenly coated.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork. Don’t worry if your honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs seems a little watery at first, we’ll fix that later.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining sauce. Stir well and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. I learned the hard way with honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs that you need to use a cornstarch slurry, otherwise it will be a watery mess.
7. Add the Chicken Back In: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the thickened sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the chicken to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce for chicken.
8. Garnish and Serve: Serve your honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

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In my kitchen, honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs usually takes about 7 hours on low. While the honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs is cooking, I usually catch up on laundry, help the kids with their homework, or just relax with a good book.

Your honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs should smell like a sweet and savory blend of honey, garlic, and ginger. It’s an absolutely mouthwatering aroma that fills the house! One of my family-tested honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs shortcuts is to use pre-minced garlic and ginger paste to save time on prep.

And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious and easy honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs that your whole family will love.

SERVING

Alright, so your honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs is done, and it smells amazing! But what do you serve it with? Let me share some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy this dish.

The kids love our honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs when I serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice. Sometimes, I’ll even make a quick batch of fried rice to go with it. It’s the perfect complement to the sweet and savory chicken. You can also serve this over noodles. I love it with egg noodles!

My go-to side dishes that pair with honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs are steamed broccoli or green beans. They add a nice bit of freshness and color to the meal. I also like to make a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

This honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! I love to serve this when we have friends over for dinner. It is an easy easy slow cooker chicken dish that feeds a lot of people.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. It just makes it look a little more appealing.

If you have extra honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, you can use it in so many ways! I like to make chicken and rice bowls for lunch, or even use it as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. It’s also great in salads!

I have tried a few seasonal honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs variations over the years. In the summer, I like to add a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro for a more refreshing flavor. In the fall, I’ll sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce for a warmer, more comforting taste.

My friends always ask for this honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe when I make it for them. It’s just so easy and delicious!

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions I get about my honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe! I’ve heard it all, seen it all, and definitely made my fair share of mistakes along the way.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you *can* use frozen chicken thighs in a pinch. Just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Just remember to always follow USDA Food Safety Guidelines for Chicken to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Q: My sauce is too watery. What do I do?

A: Ah, the age-old question! This is where the cornstarch slurry comes in. Make sure you whisk the cornstarch and water together thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. If it’s *still* too watery after 15-20 minutes, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead?

A: Absolutely! Just follow the same recipe, but cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, quick release any remaining pressure and thicken the sauce using the cornstarch slurry.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

A: Yes! Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some chopped carrots would be delicious in this dish. Just add them to the slow cooker about an hour before the chicken is done cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Q: My chicken is dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overcooking is the usual culprit. Slow cookers can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on the chicken. If it starts to look dry, reduce the cooking time or add a little extra liquid to the slow cooker. Using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts helps as well, as they tend to stay more moist.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey?

A: You could try maple syrup or agave nectar, but the flavor will be slightly different. I personally think honey gives the best flavor and consistency to the sauce. Plus, according to Mayo Clinic on Honey Benefits, honey has some great health benefits!

Q: Can I make this honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! This dish is actually even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I often do meal prep over the weekend, so I have an easy slow cooker chicken dinner waiting for me during the week.

My Final Thoughts on honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs

This honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of simple, delicious, and stress-free weeknights in my home. It’s a dish that brings my family together and always puts a smile on their faces. From the delightful aroma that fills the kitchen to the comforting flavors that dance on our taste buds, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Plus, with all the Healthline on Garlic Health Benefits, it is great for staying healthy!

My honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs Pro Tips:

• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: This is crucial for thickening the sauce and preventing it from being too watery.
• Use High-Quality Honey: It makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey slightly.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few variations of this honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe. My husband loves it when I add a pinch of sriracha for extra heat. The kids enjoy it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. And I personally love it served over quinoa with a side of roasted vegetables.

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I encourage you to make this honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, vegetables, or even different cuts of chicken. The most important thing is to have fun and create a dish that your family will love. If you want to try another flavorful chicken dish, you might enjoy these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves!

I hope you enjoy this honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it. This honey garlic chicken crock pot is going to be a winner in your home! If you want more slow cooker meals, this Easy Slow Cooker Corned Beef may be right up your alley! Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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These honey garlic chicken thighs are incredibly delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love!

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

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• 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce.
7. Serve immediately with rice and your favorite vegetables.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.