If you’re seeking a fuss-free yet tantalizing meal, look no further than these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This dish combines the richness of tender chicken with a sweet yet savory honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want your dinner to cook itself while you attend to other chores or even relax!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Equipments
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Step By Step
Step 1:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Minced the garlic cloves finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
Step 2:
Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Whisk them together until you achieve a uniform consistency. The sweet and savory notes will balance beautifully in this mixture.
Step 3:
Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they’re spread out evenly. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
Step 4:
Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors and become incredibly tender.
Step 5:
Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, give the chicken a gentle stir in the sauce to coat it evenly once more. The aroma should be irresistible!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs over steamed white rice or a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For best results, avoid using chicken with the skin on, as it can become soggy. Adjust the sweetness level by altering the honey quantity to your preference. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes into the sauce mix!
Pump Up the Protein with a High Protein Version
To create a high-protein variation of this recipe, consider adding a can of drained chickpeas or a side of grilled tofu to the meal. Both options will elevate the protein count while complementing the honey garlic profile.
Create a Low-Carb Delight
If cutting carbs is your goal, serve these chicken thighs next to a cauliflower mash instead of standard mashed potatoes. You can also replace honey with a low-carb sweetener to keep sugar minimal while retaining sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them in appropriate containers for later use, lasting up to 3 months.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but keep in mind breasts might be drier than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on while not at home? Yes, slow cookers are designed for this purpose. Just ensure it’s on a stable surface and not overcrowded with ingredients.
- Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots and bell peppers will add more flavor and nutrition.
- How do I thicken the sauce? Remove the chicken once cooked and transfer the sauce to a pot. Simmer on medium heat to thicken, or add a cornstarch slurry.
Delight in this Flavorful Experience!
Congratulations! You’ve just mastered a perfect weeknight meal in the form of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Share this recipe with your loved ones or pin it for later. Leave a comment below about how your experience went or suggest any tweaks you made. We’d love to hear from you!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken thighs
- honey
- soy sauce
- ketchup
- garlic
- dried basil
- black pepper
- Salt
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Minced the garlic cloves finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Whisk them together until you achieve a uniform consistency. The sweet and savory notes will balance beautifully in this mixture.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they're spread out evenly. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors and become incredibly tender.
- Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, give the chicken a gentle stir in the sauce to coat it evenly once more. The aroma should be irresistible!