Craving something sweet, savory, and incredibly easy? Then you’ve come to the right place! These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are fall-off-the-bone tender, coated in a luscious, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients and a slow cooker can create such an irresistible dish!
What is Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
“Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs”… Doesn’t the name just roll off the tongue? But does it really explain what this delicious concoction truly is? It does, but with a little more flair! Is it a magical portal to flavor town? A secret weapon for busy weeknights? Well maybe almost!
The combination of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and juicy chicken thighs cooked low and slow until they reach maximum tenderness. But why “Honey Garlic”? Because, we’re working with sticky-sweet honey and the aromatic bite of garlic. It’s a combination as old as time the sweet and savory dance that will have you coming back for more. And about chicken thighs? Because we’re using thighs they’re juicy, moist, and won’t dry out in the slow cooker.
Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless thighs cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Honey: Adds that signature sweetness and helps create the sticky, glossy glaze.
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami base that balances the sweetness of the honey. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup Ketchup: Adds a touch of tanginess and depth of flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that pungent garlic flavor. Freshly minced is best for maximum flavor.
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a little acidity to balance out the sweetness
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty flavour that enhances the aroma
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated: Ginger pairs perfectly with garlic.
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick! Adjust the amount to your preference.
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water): Used as a slurry to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking.
- Sesame Seeds and Chopped Green Onions, for garnish: Adds visual appeal and a final burst of flavor.
How to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
Creating this incredibly flavorful dish is surprisingly simple. In approximately 15 minutes you can prepare all your ingredients. It delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an instant family favorite. The honey garlic sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a truly irresistible texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Add the red pepper flakes if using.
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Pour Sauce over Chicken: Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated.
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 fall-apart tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Thicken the Sauce (optional): In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and whisk to combine with the sauce. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Shred Chicken (optional): Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, shred the chicken thighs with two forks right in the slow cooker.
Serve & Garnish: Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice, noodles, or your favorite side. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs:
The main highlight of this recipe is, without a doubt, the sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce. The perfectly balanced flavors create an unforgettable taste sensation that will have you hooked from the first bite. Plus, making this at home is incredibly cost-effective. Buying pre-made honey garlic chicken can be expensive, but with this recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the price. But that’s not all because the flavor enhancing combination of Sesame seeds and green onions can add visual appeal and elevate the flavour even more.
Speaking of other chicken recipes, if you love the simplicity of slow cooking, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe. It’s another easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. But for now, why not give these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs a try? You won’t be disappointed!
What to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs With:
To create a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with the following:
- Rice: Steamed white rice or brown rice are excellent choices for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or udon noodles complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, or roasted asparagus provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Salad: A fresh cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey slightly. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder as it won’t have the same pungent taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a dash of sriracha for an extra kick
- Vegetable variation: Add vegetables in your slow cooker alongside the chicken for a complete meal. Consider adding broccoli florets and carrots for a complete meal. This will infused flavour.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for up to 2-3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
These Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly convenient. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a flavorful meal without a lot of fuss. With tender chicken, a tangy sauce, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and enjoy this delightful meal!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest