Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

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If you’re looking for an effortless meal that’s packed with flavor, these honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs are the answer. Tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a rich, savory-sweet sauce is a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers minimal prep time, everyday ingredients, and maximum flavor. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dish with ease.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Rice, for serving (optional)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in an even layer inside your slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors will create an irresistible sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 3.5 hours, or if you have more time, set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process will make the chicken tender and juicy, allowing the flavors of the sauce to seep deep into the meat.
4. Thicken the Sauce: When the cooking time is nearly up, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce to a rich, glossy consistency, perfect for drizzling over rice or vegetables.
5. Shred or Serve Whole: Once done, you can either leave the chicken thighs whole or shred them directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Shredding allows the chicken to absorb even more of the sauce, creating a dish that’s full of flavor in every bite.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of rice, and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. These simple garnishes enhance the dish’s presentation and add a fresh crunch.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a world of difference in bringing out the best flavors in this dish. While jarred options are convenient, using fresh versions will give your sauce a much brighter and bolder taste.
• Customize the Heat: If you love a little spice, don’t skip the crushed red pepper flakes. They add a nice hint of heat that balances the sweetness of the honey without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the quantity to your liking, or leave them out entirely for a milder flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply reheat and enjoy over the next few days. The chicken will continue to soak up the sauce, becoming even more flavorful with time.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice or Quinoa: Pair the chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a traditional serving, or opt for quinoa for a nutrient-packed alternative.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots are great side dishes that complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
• Salad: A light Asian-style cucumber salad or mixed greens salad with a ginger-soy dressing will refresh your palate and balance out the richness of the chicken.

Variations of the Recipe

• Bone-In Chicken Thighs: If you prefer bone-in chicken, feel free to use them in this recipe. Bone-in thighs tend to have more flavor but may require slightly more cooking time. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Chicken Breasts: If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, since breasts cook faster, you may want to reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: For those who love a spicy kick, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a few teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs recipe offers a nutritious balance of protein and flavor while being low in fat thanks to the use of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect:

• High in Protein: Chicken thighs provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic and ginger are packed with antioxidants, which may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.
• Low Sodium Option: By opting for low-sodium soy sauce, you can control the salt content of this dish while still maintaining the savory, umami flavor.
• Balanced Sweetness: Honey offers a natural sweetness and is a better alternative to processed sugars, providing trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Final Thoughts

These honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a comforting family meal or planning a week’s worth of lunches, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Plus, with minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, whip up this mouthwatering dish, and watch it quickly become a household favorite.