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Best Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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These Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, fall-apart chicken in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 900 grams)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey (110 grams)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (80 milliliters)
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, place the thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 minutes on the other side. Work in batches if needed.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker, arranging in a single layer if possible.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour over the chicken thighs.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  7. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
  8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Do not skip searing the chicken; it adds essential flavor. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop to reduce or add extra cornstarch slurry. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken recipe

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/best-easy-crockpot-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs/