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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) When measuring, use a liquid measuring cup for honey and soy sauce. Use a spoon for ginger and garlic. Make sure to pack the minced garlic well. For dry ingredients like cornstarch, use a tablespoon. This ensures you get the right amount. If you don’t have honey, try maple syrup for sweetness. For soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free option. You can skip the sesame oil if needed. If you want more spice, add more red pepper flakes. Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin get crispy. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the chicken. Placing the chicken skin-side up in the slow cooker is key. The skin will crisp up and keep the meat moist. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger. These ingredients give the sauce a sweet and savory taste. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Mix until everything is well combined. This sauce is the star of the dish. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover the chicken well. Next, cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for an extra 10-15 minutes. Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the thickened sauce. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your dish! To get juicy chicken, start with bone-in, skin-on thighs. These thighs hold moisture well. Pat them dry to help the skin crisp up. Season each side with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Always check the chicken's inside temp. It should reach 165°F. This ensures it's safe to eat. If you want a thicker sauce, it’s easy! After cooking, take the chicken out. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water. This makes a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes. This will help the sauce get nice and thick. You can then coat the chicken in this rich sauce. Serve the chicken hot for the best flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These add a nice crunch and flavor. You can pair this dish with rice or steamed veggies. They soak up the sauce well. For extra flair, add some pickled vegetables on the side. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet and savory chicken. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken thighs for other proteins. Try using chicken breasts for a leaner dish. Bone-in, skin-on thighs give rich flavor, while breasts cook faster. Pork chops work well too. They absorb flavors and stay juicy. If you prefer beef, use flank steak. Thin slices cook nicely in the slow cooker. For a plant-based option, tofu is a great choice. Firm tofu can soak up the honey garlic sauce. Enhancing the flavor is easy with some simple tweaks. Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh note. You can also include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add depth and aroma. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or some sriracha. If you love sweet flavors, consider adding chopped pineapples or bell peppers. They bring a delightful sweetness and texture. To suit different diets, make some smart swaps. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor while avoiding gluten. If you're watching sugar, try using a sugar-free honey substitute. It works well and keeps the dish sweet. For a low-carb meal, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps it healthy and delicious. After you enjoy your slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the chicken cool down first. Place the container in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also store the sauce separately if you prefer. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, heat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the chicken to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out. To freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it following the earlier tips for best results. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. This change will reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes. Boneless thighs also absorb the sauce well. You have many tasty options! Here are some great sides: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh salad These sides balance the flavors of the chicken. They also soak up that delicious sauce. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. You can also check if the meat pulls away from the bone easily. This shows it is tender and ready to eat. Absolutely! You can use maple syrup or agave syrup. These alternatives will give a similar sweet taste. Adjust the amount based on your preference. Keep in mind that flavors might change slightly. This blog post walked you through making honey garlic chicken. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to store leftovers and what to serve alongside. Remember, you can adjust ingredients and try different proteins for variety. With these easy steps, you can enjoy a tasty meal. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Savor the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe! Tender chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, making it a perfect family meal. With just a few simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, you can prepare a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Click to discover the full recipe and enjoy a delightful dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sesame oil

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

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper on both sides.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

      Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top.

        Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

          If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker, and in a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.

            Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat in the thickened sauce if desired.

              Serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4-6 hours | Servings: 4