Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is a mouthwatering dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of garlic and tender chicken thighs, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that is bursting with deliciousness. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cooking enthusiast wanting to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

The Goodness of Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs stand out for several reasons that make them a must-try dish:

– Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken, infusing it with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
– Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking the chicken thighs ensures they turn out tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious.
– Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
– Versatile Dish: You can serve Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with a variety of sides, from rice and vegetables to mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

To make Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, you will need the following ingredients:

– 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
2. In a bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender.
6. Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Storage Instructions

To store Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken thighs in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Benefits of Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs offer several benefits:

– **Nutritious**: Chicken thighs are a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
– **Time-Saving**: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to save time on meal preparation.
– **Family-Friendly**: This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.
– **Customizable**: You can adjust the sweetness or garlic levels to suit your taste preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, avoid these common mistakes:

– **Overcooking**: Be cautious not to overcook the chicken thighs, as they may become dry.
– **Skipping Seasoning**: Ensure you season the chicken well before cooking to enhance the flavors.
– **Not Monitoring**: Check the chicken occasionally while cooking to prevent burning or sticking.

Alternatives

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can try these alternatives:

– **Spicy Kick**: Add sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy version of the dish.
– **Citrusy Twist**: Incorporate orange or lemon zest for a citrusy flavor profile.
– **Herb Infusion**: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added complexity.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but be mindful of the cooking time as breasts may cook faster.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for about 8-10 minutes for perfectly tender chicken.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of honey, the pungency of garlic, and the tenderness of chicken in a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a winner. So, fire up that slow cooker, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will undoubtedly become a regular on your menu rotation!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Delicious

5 from 1 vote

Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Author: Elena Courses: Appetizer, Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 240 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 4 hrs 35 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 320 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Indulge in the succulent taste of Slow-Cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, a dish that effortlessly combines the richness of honey with the aromatic essence of garlic for a truly delightful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Ingredients

• 6 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Honey Garlic Sauce

• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• ¹⁄₂ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs

   Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
   For added flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

   In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
   Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce according to your preference.

3. Cook the Chicken

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Optionally, you can switch to high heat for a shorter cooking time.
   Avoid opening the lid frequently to ensure even cooking and to retain moisture.

4. Thicken the Sauce

   If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   Make sure to stir well to avoid lumps in the sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy

   Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened to your liking, serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot over rice or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Note

• Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Ensure the chicken thighs are well browned before placing them in the slow cooker for optimal flavor development.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Adjust the honey and garlic quantities according to your preference for sweetness and garlic intensity.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Chicken, Honey, Garlic, Slow-Cooked, Tender