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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
  • 1/3 cup (113 g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
  • Green onions, sliced thinly (optional, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Brown chicken thighs skin side down for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook another 2 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ketchup, and water until well combined.
  4. Place the browned or raw chicken thighs skin side up in a single layer inside the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, coating them well.
  6. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Patting chicken dry helps achieve crispy skin if browning. Browning chicken is optional but adds flavor and texture. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker; cook in batches if needed. For a crispy finish, broil cooked thighs for 3-5 minutes. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option. Sauce can be thickened with cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crockpot chicken, sweet and savory chicken

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/