Description
Honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs offer a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory flavors that elevate weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken becomes incredibly tender when bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce that beckons diners to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skinless or boneless)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tbsps water
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preparation: Layer chicken thighs in a single arrangement within the slow cooker, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to establish a robust flavor foundation.
- Sauce Creation: Blend honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and optional crushed red pepper flakes into a seamless, glossy concoction using vigorous whisking techniques.
- Cooking Process: Lavishly coat chicken pieces with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Secure lid and commence cooking at low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes supremely tender and easily separates.
- Serving: Transfer chicken to a serving platter, allowing residual sauce to glaze the meat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and an herbaceous accent. Pair with complementary side dishes that harmonize with the sauce’s sweet-savory profile.
Notes
Optimize Chicken Layering: Prevent overcrowding by arranging thighs in a single, non-overlapping layer to ensure even cooking and consistent sauce penetration.
Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to personalize sweetness and saltiness; start with less and taste-test before final application for balanced flavor profile.
Moisture Preservation Technique: Cover chicken completely with sauce and avoid lifting lid during cooking to retain moisture and prevent heat loss, ensuring tender, juicy meat.
Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan option, use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt intake, or replace chicken thighs with tofu for plant-based alternative while maintaining similar cooking method and flavor essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 174
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 307 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg