Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

by
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) You need simple and tasty ingredients for this dish. The chicken thighs give the meal a juicy and rich flavor. I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay moist and soak up the honey garlic sauce. Honey brings sweetness and helps form a nice glaze. I use low sodium soy sauce. This keeps the saltiness balanced and lets the other flavors shine. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. They make the dish aromatic and bright. Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick. It balances the sweetness of honey. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish. I often add black pepper for a hint of spice. If you want more heat, try red pepper flakes. Garnishes like sliced green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch. They make the dish look great on your table. It’s fun to serve this meal with rice or a fresh salad. This dish is sure to impress your family or friends! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. In a medium bowl, combine all these ingredients. Whisk them together well. This mixture will give the chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Make sure the garlic and ginger are evenly mixed in. Set this bowl aside for now. Next, get your slow cooker ready. Place the chicken thighs in it, skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon to coat the thighs well, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you set it on low heat, cook for 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the slow cooker. Place it on a serving platter. If you want a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Simmer it on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces slightly. Drizzle this sauce over the chicken. For a beautiful finish, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a tasty meal. Enjoy! To get tender chicken thighs, you need to cook them low and slow. The slow cooker does the job well. This method breaks down the tough fibers. It keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. Always start with bone-in, skin-on thighs. They add more taste and moisture. Avoid opening the lid while cooking. This keeps the heat in and helps the chicken cook evenly. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Add more garlic for a stronger taste. If you like heat, try more red pepper flakes. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can also add a splash of orange juice. It gives a fresh, zesty note. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary. They can add depth to the dish. Adjust the soy sauce to control the saltiness. For best results, use low heat for 4-6 hours. This helps the flavors meld well. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly tender. Pro Tips Use Bone-in Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture compared to boneless cuts, resulting in a juicier dish. Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight for an even deeper flavor profile. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more or less honey to the sauce to balance the flavors to your liking. Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, after cooking, simmer the sauce on the stove to reduce it further and achieve a glaze-like consistency. {{image_2}} You can change flavors easily with simple swaps. Try using orange juice instead of honey for a citrus taste. Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Add pineapple juice for a tropical twist. You can switch sesame oil for olive oil if you want a lighter flavor. If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. You can make this dish in different ways. If you don’t have a slow cooker, use an oven. Bake the chicken in a dish at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes. You can also grill the chicken. Just marinate it first, then grill over medium heat until cooked through. This adds a nice smoky flavor. Pair this chicken with many sides. Serve it over steamed rice to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the meal. You can also add roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots. For a heartier option, try mashed potatoes or quinoa. These sides complement the sweet and savory chicken well. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the chicken tightly. This keeps it fresh and tasty for later. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, take the chicken out of the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes or until hot. If you want the skin crispy again, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the skin get crispy again. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Write the date on the bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Simply adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. The sauce will still soak in and keep the chicken juicy. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat level to suit your taste. These chicken thighs pair well with many sides. I love serving them with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. A fresh salad or stir-fried veggies also make great choices. You can even serve them in tacos for a fun twist! You now know how to make delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We explored key ingredients, like chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and more. I gave you step-by-step instructions to cook it perfectly, with tips for tenderness and flavor. You can even try different variations or sides. Use the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh for later. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty meal any day. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? My Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic, you’ll set the stage for a delicious dinner. This recipe not only brings out the rich taste of chicken thighs but also keeps your cooking effortless and fun. Let’s dive into the sweet and savory world of slow cooking!

Jump to Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Dish: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
  3. Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you can focus on other tasks.
  4. Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or a fresh salad, making it suitable for any meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

– Sesame seeds (for garnish)

You need simple and tasty ingredients for this dish. The chicken thighs give the meal a juicy and rich flavor. I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay moist and soak up the honey garlic sauce.

Honey brings sweetness and helps form a nice glaze. I use low sodium soy sauce. This keeps the saltiness balanced and lets the other flavors shine. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. They make the dish aromatic and bright.

Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick. It balances the sweetness of honey. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish. I often add black pepper for a hint of spice. If you want more heat, try red pepper flakes.

Garnishes like sliced green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch. They make the dish look great on your table. It’s fun to serve this meal with rice or a fresh salad. This dish is sure to impress your family or friends!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Honey Garlic Mixture

First, gather your ingredients. You will need honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. In a medium bowl, combine all these ingredients. Whisk them together well. This mixture will give the chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Make sure the garlic and ginger are evenly mixed in. Set this bowl aside for now.

Cooking the Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Next, get your slow cooker ready. Place the chicken thighs in it, skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon to coat the thighs well, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you set it on low heat, cook for 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once the chicken is done, take it out of the slow cooker. Place it on a serving platter. If you want a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Simmer it on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces slightly. Drizzle this sauce over the chicken. For a beautiful finish, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a tasty meal. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Tender Chicken Thighs

To get tender chicken thighs, you need to cook them low and slow. The slow cooker does the job well. This method breaks down the tough fibers. It keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. Always start with bone-in, skin-on thighs. They add more taste and moisture. Avoid opening the lid while cooking. This keeps the heat in and helps the chicken cook evenly.

Flavor Enhancements and Adjustments

You can boost the flavor in many ways. Add more garlic for a stronger taste. If you like heat, try more red pepper flakes. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can also add a splash of orange juice. It gives a fresh, zesty note. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary. They can add depth to the dish. Adjust the soy sauce to control the saltiness.

Recommended Cooking Times for Different Settings

For best results, use low heat for 4-6 hours. This helps the flavors meld well. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly tender.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Bone-in Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture compared to boneless cuts, resulting in a juicier dish.
  2. Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight for an even deeper flavor profile.
  3. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more or less honey to the sauce to balance the flavors to your liking.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, after cooking, simmer the sauce on the stove to reduce it further and achieve a glaze-like consistency.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps for Different Flavor Profiles

You can change flavors easily with simple swaps. Try using orange juice instead of honey for a citrus taste. Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Add pineapple juice for a tropical twist. You can switch sesame oil for olive oil if you want a lighter flavor. If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Alternative Cooking Methods

You can make this dish in different ways. If you don’t have a slow cooker, use an oven. Bake the chicken in a dish at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes. You can also grill the chicken. Just marinate it first, then grill over medium heat until cooked through. This adds a nice smoky flavor.

Suggestions for Side Dishes

Pair this chicken with many sides. Serve it over steamed rice to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the meal. You can also add roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots. For a heartier option, try mashed potatoes or quinoa. These sides complement the sweet and savory chicken well.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the chicken tightly. This keeps it fresh and tasty for later. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat, take the chicken out of the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes or until hot. If you want the skin crispy again, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the skin get crispy again.

Freezing Tips for Meal Prep

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Write the date on the bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Simply adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. The sauce will still soak in and keep the chicken juicy.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat level to suit your taste.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?

These chicken thighs pair well with many sides. I love serving them with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. A fresh salad or stir-fried veggies also make great choices. You can even serve them in tacos for a fun twist!

You now know how to make delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We explored key ingredients, like chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and more. I gave you step-by-step instructions to cook it perfectly, with tips for tenderness and flavor. You can even try different variations or sides.

Use the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh for later. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty meal any day. Happy cookin

- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) You need simple and tasty ingredients for this dish. The chicken thighs give the meal a juicy and rich flavor. I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay moist and soak up the honey garlic sauce. Honey brings sweetness and helps form a nice glaze. I use low sodium soy sauce. This keeps the saltiness balanced and lets the other flavors shine. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. They make the dish aromatic and bright. Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick. It balances the sweetness of honey. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish. I often add black pepper for a hint of spice. If you want more heat, try red pepper flakes. Garnishes like sliced green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch. They make the dish look great on your table. It’s fun to serve this meal with rice or a fresh salad. This dish is sure to impress your family or friends! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. In a medium bowl, combine all these ingredients. Whisk them together well. This mixture will give the chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Make sure the garlic and ginger are evenly mixed in. Set this bowl aside for now. Next, get your slow cooker ready. Place the chicken thighs in it, skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Use a spoon to coat the thighs well, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you set it on low heat, cook for 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the slow cooker. Place it on a serving platter. If you want a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Simmer it on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces slightly. Drizzle this sauce over the chicken. For a beautiful finish, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a tasty meal. Enjoy! To get tender chicken thighs, you need to cook them low and slow. The slow cooker does the job well. This method breaks down the tough fibers. It keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. Always start with bone-in, skin-on thighs. They add more taste and moisture. Avoid opening the lid while cooking. This keeps the heat in and helps the chicken cook evenly. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Add more garlic for a stronger taste. If you like heat, try more red pepper flakes. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can also add a splash of orange juice. It gives a fresh, zesty note. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary. They can add depth to the dish. Adjust the soy sauce to control the saltiness. For best results, use low heat for 4-6 hours. This helps the flavors meld well. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly tender. Pro Tips Use Bone-in Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture compared to boneless cuts, resulting in a juicier dish. Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight for an even deeper flavor profile. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more or less honey to the sauce to balance the flavors to your liking. Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, after cooking, simmer the sauce on the stove to reduce it further and achieve a glaze-like consistency. {{image_2}} You can change flavors easily with simple swaps. Try using orange juice instead of honey for a citrus taste. Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Add pineapple juice for a tropical twist. You can switch sesame oil for olive oil if you want a lighter flavor. If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. You can make this dish in different ways. If you don’t have a slow cooker, use an oven. Bake the chicken in a dish at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes. You can also grill the chicken. Just marinate it first, then grill over medium heat until cooked through. This adds a nice smoky flavor. Pair this chicken with many sides. Serve it over steamed rice to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the meal. You can also add roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots. For a heartier option, try mashed potatoes or quinoa. These sides complement the sweet and savory chicken well. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the chicken tightly. This keeps it fresh and tasty for later. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, take the chicken out of the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes or until hot. If you want the skin crispy again, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the skin get crispy again. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Write the date on the bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Simply adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. The sauce will still soak in and keep the chicken juicy. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat level to suit your taste. These chicken thighs pair well with many sides. I love serving them with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. A fresh salad or stir-fried veggies also make great choices. You can even serve them in tacos for a fun twist! You now know how to make delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We explored key ingredients, like chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and more. I gave you step-by-step instructions to cook it perfectly, with tips for tenderness and flavor. You can even try different variations or sides. Use the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh for later. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty meal any day. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste none sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well mixed.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin-side up, and pour the honey garlic mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cook for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Once done, remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving platter. If you like a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, until reduced slightly.
  • Drizzle the sauce over the chicken thighs and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a delightful meal!

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, slow cooker

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?