Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in an even layer inside your slow cooker.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10minutes mins
- Cook Time: 3hours hrs 45minutes mins