Description
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup (80ml) soy sauce
1/3 cup (80ml) honey
1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
For garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Directions
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add to slow cooker: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir. Let it cook on high for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
Assemble and garnish: Return the chicken to the slow cooker or serve directly over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
#HoneyGarlicChicken #SlowCookerMeals #EasyDinnerIdeas #ComfortFood #MealPrep #FoodieFavorites
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your chicken thighs are trimmed of excess fat. For the sauce, whisk the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until fully emulsified. Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the top, using tongs to flip each piece and coat thoroughly. Do not add the cornstarch slurry yet. Cover and cook according to your time preference. Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken to a plate. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water in a separate bowl until smooth, then stir this slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Set the cooker to High, leave the lid off, and let the sauce bubble and thicken for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic meal, serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also excellent with noodles like udon, soba, or lo mein. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make excellent vegetable sides. You can also shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or sliders.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix the sauce ingredients, pour over chicken in the slow cooker, and cook until tender. Remove chicken, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, then combine and garnish. The key steps are ensuring the chicken is fully coated and thickening the sauce separately at the end for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but breasts can dry out. Use 3-4 breasts and reduce cooking time by about 1 hour on Low. Check for doneness at 5 hours.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time? Yes. You can mix the sauce and pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the base and start cooking.
My sauce didn’t thicken. What went wrong? Ensure your cornstarch slurry is a smooth, liquid paste before adding it to the hot sauce. Also, the sauce must be simmering/bubbling to activate the cornstarch properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid adding the cornstarch slurry at the beginning, as it will break down during the long cooking process and not thicken.
- Do not overcrowd the slow cooker. The chicken should be in one layer for even cooking.
- Resist the urge to open the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and significantly increases cooking time.
- Do not skip the step of garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds; they add crucial fresh flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is the epitome of an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With minimal prep yielding maximum taste, it’s a reliable recipe that turns simple ingredients into a family favorite. The balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and salty soy creates a deeply flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. By following the steps and tips provided, you can master this dish and enjoy a delicious, hands-off dinner any day of the week.