Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: 5-Star Comfort Meal

crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my new favorite weeknight dinner: crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs! Seriously, this dish is a game changer. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. I love coming home after a long day and being greeted by that delicious aroma wafting through the house. The honey and garlic create a sticky, mouthwatering glaze that clings to the chicken, and it’s practically effortless to make! Just toss everything in your trusty crock pot and let it do the work for you. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those busy nights when you still want something special on the table. Plus, it’s gluten-free! What’s not to love?

crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs - detail 1

Ingredients List

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, your choice!)
  • 1/2 cup honey (the sweeter, the better!)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (adds that savory umami flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic works wonders!)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a little tang)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a lovely warmth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

How to Prepare Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

  1. First things first, grab your trusty crock pot and place those beautiful chicken thighs right in there. If you’re using bone-in thighs, that’s totally fine; they’ll just take a bit longer to cook.
  2. Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. Wow, you’ll love how fragrant this mixture is!
  3. Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce all over the chicken thighs in the crock pot. Make sure they’re well-coated—this is where all the flavor happens!
  4. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours instead. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Now, here’s a little trick: if you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce about 30 minutes before serving and let it cook uncovered for the last half hour.
  6. Once it’s done, serve those succulent chicken thighs with a side of rice or your favorite veggies. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful they are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super easy to prepare—just toss everything in the crock pot!
  • Rich, sweet, and savory flavors that everyone will love.
  • Perfectly tender chicken thighs that practically fall off the bone.
  • Minimal cleanup, making it a great weeknight option.
  • Gluten-free and packed with wholesome ingredients.
  • Versatile—great with rice, veggies, or even in a wrap!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skip on browning the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. It adds a beautiful color and extra flavor that you’ll just love! If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots right with the chicken. They soak up all that delicious sauce!

Also, if you prefer a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce—trust me, it adds a fabulous kick! And remember, every crock pot is a little different, so check the chicken a bit earlier if you’re cooking on high. You want it fork-tender but not mushy. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving; you can always adjust the seasoning to your liking. Enjoy the process!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your delicious crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up that amazing sauce. You could also serve them alongside some steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for a pop of color and nutrition. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, consider making a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the chicken. And don’t forget about a side of warm crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce—it’s simply irresistible!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? You’re in for a treat because this crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs dish tastes even better the next day! To store your delicious chicken, let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to stash some for later, you can freeze it, too! Just make sure to pack it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it should last for about 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened up, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Just make sure it’s heated through to 165°F (75°C) before digging in!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of these delicious crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs:

  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients used, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect!

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juiciness of chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts can also work. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster—check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute it with white vinegar or even lemon juice for that tangy kick. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to get creative!

Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes, yes, yes! Adding veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas is a fantastic idea. Just chop them up and toss them in with the chicken. They’ll soak up all that yummy sauce and add some extra nutrition!

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Once the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), it’s safe to eat. If you don’t have one, just make sure the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear.

Can I double the recipe?
Sure thing! Just make sure your crock pot is big enough. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness as usual. Enjoy!

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crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: 5-Star Comfort Meal


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delicious honey garlic chicken thighs made in a crock pot.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
  2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and ginger.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken.
  6. Serve with rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • Adjust honey for sweetness preference.
  • Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking.
  • Try adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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