Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser with its melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs and irresistible honey-garlic sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the chicken, making each bite tender and bursting with sweet, savory goodness. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, and dried basil. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the honey has dissolved.
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken: Pour the prepared honey-garlic sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated.
4. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve: Once the chicken is done, serve it with the sauce spooned over the top. It pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (depending on slow cooker)
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes

Variations

1. Add Spice: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the sauce.
2. Vegetable Addition: Toss in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots into the slow cooker for a complete meal.
3. Lemon Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a hint of citrus that balances the sweetness of the honey.
4. Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them for thighs, but be sure to adjust cooking times as breasts may cook faster.
5. Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken when it’s done, and simmer the sauce in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes until it thickens before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, or warm it gently on the stove over low heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just be sure to cook them on low for 6-7 hours, as frozen chicken will take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I make this recipe with skin-on chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken thighs, but make sure to remove the skin before serving. The skin can become quite greasy during the slow cooking process.

Can I use another sweetener instead of honey?

If you prefer, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?

This dish pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or sautéed greens.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed more people. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce.

Can I use a slow cooker on high heat instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of 4-6 hours on low, but check the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.

Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers directly to the slow cooker. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them with the chicken and sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or a bit of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Conclusion

Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are an easy, flavorful meal that you can prepare with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures the chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy, while the sweet and savory sauce adds a delicious layer of flavor. This dish is a simple, yet impressive, choice for busy nights or when you need a quick dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce with every bite!

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