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Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A foolproof slow cooker recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, water or chicken broth, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
  2. Pat dry the chicken thighs and season both sides lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in a single layer inside the slow cooker.
  4. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, coating them well.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours for a quicker option.
  6. Optional: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the sauce and coat well.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness. For crispy skin, broil chicken for 3-4 minutes after slow cooking. Adjust sweetness or acidity of sauce to taste. Can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make gluten-free. Slow cooker liner recommended for easier cleanup. If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours on low.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs, crockpot recipe