Are you in search of a quick and flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this dish is a surefire hit.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: The star of the show, providing rich flavor and a tender texture.
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory umami kick.
1/3 cup honey: Infuses the dish with a delightful sweetness.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
1/3 cup ketchup: Balances the flavors with its tangy richness.
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty and warming note.
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives the dish a hint of heat if desired.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a perfect consistency.
For Serving:
Chopped scallions: For a fresh, crunchy garnish.
Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch.
Rice (optional): A great base for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into your slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3.5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your schedule and preferred cooking time.
Thicken the Sauce: After the cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken thighs with forks and mix them with the sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
Serving Tips:
Pairing: Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also accompany it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Garnish: Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and sesame seeds. These add a burst of flavor and texture, making the dish visually appealing and even more delicious.
Temperature: For the best taste, serve the chicken hot and fresh. If serving leftovers, reheat thoroughly to ensure even warmth.
Presentation: For a restaurant-style presentation, place the shredded chicken on a large platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.
Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring occasionally.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking the chicken as it can become dry. Heat just until warmed through.
Sauce Separation: If the sauce has separated after freezing, simply stir it well as you reheat. Adding a bit of water or broth can help restore its original consistency.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily. To prevent this, consider reducing the cooking time slightly or adding a bit more liquid to the slow cooker to keep the breasts moist.
How can I adjust the spice level of the honey garlic sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes entirely. For more heat, add additional flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Can I make this recipe in advance and freeze it?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked honey garlic chicken thighs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving. You can also freeze the sauce separately if preferred.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. It also complements sautéed or steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of crispy egg rolls. For a more complete meal, consider adding a vegetable stir-fry or a simple side of green beans.
Conclusion:
This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out incredibly tender, while the honey garlic sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this delicious meal with a side of rice and a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds for the ultimate dining experience.
📖 Recipe:
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Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Delight in the convenience and flavor of Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. This recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep. With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal with little effort.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup ketchup
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Serving: Chopped scallions, sesame seeds, rice (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cook on high for 3.5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add to the slow cooker. Stir and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
- Shred the chicken with forks and serve over rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to ensure tenderness and flavor.
Freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 426 kcal per serving
