Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$To make Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed - ½ cup honey - ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients blend to create a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. The chicken thighs absorb all the flavors, making them juicy and tender. Each ingredient plays a role. Honey gives sweetness, while soy sauce adds saltiness. Garlic and ginger provide a fresh kick. Rice vinegar balances the taste with acidity. I love using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. The crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat, but you can skip them if you prefer. Green onions and sesame seeds are perfect for garnishing and give a nice crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to make a meal that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Whisking the sauce In a medium bowl, add honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Use a whisk to mix them well. This sauce brings sweet and savory flavors. - Seasoning the chicken Take your chicken thighs and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This basic step makes the chicken taste great. - Placing chicken in the crockpot Put the seasoned chicken thighs into the crockpot. Lay them flat, making sure they fit well. - Pouring sauce over the chicken Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs. Make sure each piece gets coated. This will help the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. - Setting the crockpot temperature Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to low heat and cook for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy. - Removing chicken and thickening sauce After cooking, take the chicken thighs out carefully. Set them aside. To thicken the sauce, pour it into a saucepan. Simmer it on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens. - Serving suggestions Return the chicken to the crockpot. Stir it in the thickened sauce. For a great look, serve the chicken on a platter. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. It goes well with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a full meal. - Achieving perfect tenderness: Cooking chicken thighs in a crockpot makes them tender. The low heat breaks down the meat's fibers. I suggest cooking for 6-7 hours on low. You will love how easily it shreds! - Importance of marinating: Marinating is key for flavor. Let the chicken soak in the honey garlic sauce for at least an hour if you can. This extra time allows the flavors to really sink in. - Pairing with rice or vegetables: Serve the chicken on a bed of rice or alongside stir-fried veggies. The sauce soaks into the rice, making each bite a delight. - Creative plating ideas: For a fun touch, use a large platter. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes! - Honey alternatives: If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both give a sweet touch, though the flavor will change a bit. - Soy sauce options: Low-sodium soy sauce is best for this dish. If you want a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. It works just as well and maintains that umami flavor. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken thighs marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor profile. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant taste than dried alternatives, making the dish more aromatic and flavorful. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. Serve with the Right Sides: Pair the chicken with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your honey garlic chicken in fun ways. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This spice gives a kick that many enjoy. You can also try using fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro. They add a fresh taste to the dish. Just chop them finely and mix them into the sauce. If you need gluten-free options, switch to tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar flavor but is safe for gluten-free diets. For those wanting less sugar, use a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit. Both work well and keep the dish tasty. You can easily change the number of servings. If you want to serve more people, double the recipe. Just remember to cook for a bit longer. For a smaller meal, cut the recipe in half. Reduce the cooking time slightly if you use fewer chicken thighs. This way, you get juicy chicken no matter the size. To keep your honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid air and moisture. This method keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Make sure to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours after cooking. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the flavor. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. But be careful! Heat in short bursts to avoid over-drying the chicken. Cover it with a damp paper towel to help keep it moist. In the fridge, honey garlic chicken lasts about 3-4 days. After that, the quality may drop. Look for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or slimy texture. If you freeze the chicken, it can last up to 4 months. Just remember to label your bags with the date. Always trust your senses to decide if the food is still good! How long to cook chicken thighs in a crockpot? You should cook chicken thighs in a crockpot for 6 to 7 hours on low. This time allows the chicken to become tender and juicy. If you cook it too long, it may fall apart. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so check them after 4 to 5 hours. The flavor will still be excellent! What goes well with honey garlic chicken? Honey garlic chicken pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. The sauce is great over noodles too! Is this dish kid-friendly? Yes, this dish is very kid-friendly! The sweetness of the honey appeals to kids. You can adjust the spice level by omitting red pepper flakes if needed. Can I substitute honey with maple syrup? You can substitute honey with maple syrup. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still taste great. Use the same amount to keep the balance. What is the best soy sauce to use? Low-sodium soy sauce is best for this recipe. It allows you to control the saltiness. Regular soy sauce can be too salty and overpower the other flavors. Cooking honey garlic chicken in a crockpot is simple and rewarding. We covered the key ingredients, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste. Remember to marinate for tenderness and pair with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Proper storage is vital to enjoy leftovers safely. Always check for signs of spoilage. With this guide, you can create a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey and the tasty results!$

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A delicious and easy slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6 10

Total Time 6 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
to taste salt and pepper
2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them into the crockpot.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that the sauce coats each piece thoroughly.
Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Cook for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and set them aside.
If desired, you can thicken the sauce by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat and simmering it for about 5-10 minutes until it reduces slightly.
Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, honey garlic