Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy meal that’s sure to impress any dinner guest or satisfy a weeknight craving.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in the Crockpot in a single layer and pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over them.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 4: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, briefly broil the chicken thighs under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to make a well-rounded meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the meat. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but the texture will be slightly different and the skin won’t crisp up. Cooking time remains the same.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stove instead of a Crockpot?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce and chicken thighs on low heat in a covered pan for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
PrintCrockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, the chicken absorbs the aromatic mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a deliciously rich and sticky glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk each ingredient until well blended to create the honey garlic sauce.
- Arrange chicken in Crockpot: Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of the Crockpot, skin side up to retain crispness as much as possible.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and tender enough to easily shred with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken hot, optionally garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce before serving.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and moisture retention, but boneless can be used if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, one pot meal
