Why Make This Recipe
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a simple way. Cooking it slowly allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making the chicken tender and juicy. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as you can set it and forget it, coming home to a delicious meal ready to serve.
How to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prep Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper.
- Load Crock Pot: Place chicken thighs in the crock pot, skin side up. Pour sauce over top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Optional Glaze: Transfer sauce to a saucepan, stir in cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
- If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Variation
You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. Just place them under the chicken so they absorb the flavors from the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.
2. Is it necessary to use skin-on chicken?
While skin-on chicken thighs add flavor and moisture, you can use skinless chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tbsp water optional, for thickening
- to taste Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and black pepper to make the sauce.
Cooking
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot, skin side up. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 360 minutes (6 hours) or high for 180-240 minutes (3-4 hours) until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Optional Glaze
- Transfer sauce to a saucepan, stir in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), and simmer until thickened.
Serving
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.