Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite recipe: honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot! Seriously, if you’re looking for something that’s not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor, you’ve hit the jackpot. The moment you walk into your kitchen and catch that intoxicating aroma wafting through the air, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was rushed and thought, “Can I really make something this delicious in a crock pot?” And wow, was I blown away! The chicken becomes so tender and juicy, soaking up all that sweet and savory goodness. Trust me, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds! Let’s dive into how to make these heavenly honey garlic chicken thighs!
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these scrumptious honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 chicken thighs, skinless: Make sure to choose bone-in or boneless thighs, but I prefer skinless for this dish to really soak up that sauce.
- 1/2 cup honey: Go for pure honey for the best flavor; it adds that sweet richness that balances perfectly with the soy sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness in check while still packing in that umami flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings a wonderful aromatic punch to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: The zing from fresh ginger adds a bright note that elevates the whole recipe.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: This will add a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A little drizzle of sesame oil at the end gives it that authentic Asian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper works best to enhance the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, this is optional but highly recommended!
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): These not only add a pop of color but also a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a meal that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the steps for making these luscious honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot! Trust me, this process is as easy as pie—no complicated techniques here!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a mixing bowl and combine your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth; this sauce is going to be the star of the show!
- Next, place your skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock pot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so every piece gets that delicious sauce love.
- Now, pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well-coated. Don’t be shy; use a spatula to scrape every last drop out of the bowl!
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for low and slow because it makes the chicken incredibly tender. Just set it and forget it!
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate. If you’d like, you can strain the sauce to remove the garlic bits for a smoother finish.
- Now, let’s thicken the sauce! Pour it into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Finally, serve your chicken thighs drizzled with that luscious sauce and a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top. Enjoy the applause!
Tips for Success
To elevate your honey garlic chicken thighs, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking. This extra step infuses even more flavor into the meat! Also, if you want to add a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking. And don’t forget, you can adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference—more for a kick, less for a milder taste. Finally, pairing this dish with steamed rice or roasted veggies will take your meal to the next level. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional facts for these delicious honey garlic chicken thighs! Each serving, which consists of one chicken thigh with sauce, contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
These values make it a satisfying and balanced meal, perfect for a family dinner that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Enjoy every bite!
Variations of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Now, let’s get creative with our honey garlic chicken thighs! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding different herbs and spices to your sauce. For a fragrant twist, toss in a tablespoon of fresh basil or cilantro right before serving; the fresh flavors will brighten up the dish beautifully. If you love a bit of zest, try incorporating the juice and zest of one lime for a vibrant citrus kick!
Feeling adventurous? You can substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even tofu for a plant-based option! Add some chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal in one pot. And if you’re a fan of heat, amp up those red pepper flakes or even add a splash of sriracha to the sauce. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your honey garlic chicken thighs, you’ve got some delicious options to consider! I love pairing these succulent thighs with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice—it’s perfect for soaking up that sweet and savory sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, add a wonderful crunch and colorful presentation. You could even whip up a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors. For garnish, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or extra sliced green onions not only looks gorgeous but also infuses a fresh touch. Trust me, your plate will be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of skinless? Absolutely! Bone-in thighs can add even more flavor to the dish, just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re larger.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? If your sauce isn’t thick enough after reducing, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up!
Can I make honey garlic chicken thighs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance, just store them separately in the fridge. Reheat gently in the crock pot or on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs? These thighs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a simple stir-fried vegetable medley for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make these honey garlic chicken thighs as I am! There’s something so comforting about a slow-cooked meal that fills the house with amazing aromas. I’d love to hear how your dish turns out or any fun twists you add! Feel free to share your experiences or variations in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to keep cooking delicious food together!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this honey garlic chicken recipe or this crockpot chicken and rice recipe!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot: 7 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious honey garlic chicken thighs cooked in a crock pot for tender and flavorful results.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, skinless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Strain the sauce to remove garlic pieces, if desired.
- Reduce the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve chicken with sauce drizzled on top and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
- For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken thighs, crock pot chicken, slow cooker recipe
