Oh my goodness, let me tell you how much I adore my crock pot! It’s like having a personal chef that does all the hard work while I go about my day. And when it comes to this crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs, it’s truly a game changer! The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a sauce that’s just irresistible. You’ll find that these tender chicken thighs soak up all that flavor, making for a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also a unique twist on your typical chicken dinner. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs – Bone-in, skin-on for the juiciest result, but boneless and skinless works too!
- 1/2 cup honey – The star of the show! Sweet and sticky, it adds that delightful glaze.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – For that savory depth; I love using low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but feel free to use pre-minced if you’re in a pinch!
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a lovely nuttiness; it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Just a splash for tanginess to balance the sweetness!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasoning makes a world of difference; don’t skip this step!
- Chopped green onions for garnish – Adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color right before serving!
How to Prepare Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Season the Chicken
First things first, let’s season those chicken thighs! Grab your salt and pepper and sprinkle a good amount over both sides of the chicken. Don’t be shy; this is where you build the flavor base! I usually go with about a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper for all four thighs. Just rub it in a bit to help it stick, and you’re good to go!
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that fabulous sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and the minced garlic. Then, add in the tablespoon of sesame oil and the tablespoon of rice vinegar. I like to start with the honey, then add the soy sauce, as it helps the honey blend better. Give it a good whisk until it’s all nicely mixed. The aroma will have you dreaming of dinner already!
Combine Chicken and Sauce in the Crock Pot
Next, it’s time to bring it all together. Place your seasoned chicken thighs in the crock pot, making sure they’re laying flat. Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce all over the chicken, ensuring they’re well coated. If you want, you can even give the thighs a little toss in the sauce to make sure every inch is drenched in that goodness. Yum!
Cooking Instructions
Now, cover your crock pot and set it to cook! If you’re on a tight schedule, opt for the high setting and let it cook for about 3-4 hours. If you have more time to spare, the low setting is where the magic happens over 6-7 hours. Just make sure to check the chicken towards the end; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Trust me, you’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like pure heaven!
Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate up! Take the thighs out of the crock pot and let them rest for a minute. Then, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for that fresh crunch and a pop of color. Serve it up with a side of fluffy rice or steamed veggies to soak up that luscious sauce. Get ready for some happy taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe serves about four people, and here’s what you can expect in each serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands, so they might vary slightly depending on what you use. But overall, this dish strikes a nice balance of flavors and nutrients, perfect for a satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can swap out chicken thighs for breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to cook a bit faster, so I recommend checking for doneness around the 2.5 to 3-hour mark on high or about 4-5 hours on low. You want that internal temperature to hit 165°F (75°C) for safety, of course!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should last up to 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What can I serve with this dish?
This crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed broccoli for a nice crunch. You could also go for some sautéed bok choy or even a fresh green salad to balance out the sweetness of the dish. Really, anything that soaks up that delicious sauce will do just fine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it!
- Delicious flavor: The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce makes every bite mouthwatering.
- Tender chicken: Cooking in the crock pot ensures your chicken thighs come out juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
- Family-friendly: It’s a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love—trust me, everyone will come back for seconds!
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Versatile serving options: Pair it with rice, veggies, or even in a wrap for a delicious lunch.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs turn out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:
- Don’t rush the seasoning: Take your time to season the chicken thighs well. It really enhances the flavor, so don’t skip this step! Make sure to rub the salt and pepper into the meat for maximum impact.
- Measure carefully: Be precise with your measurements, especially for the honey and soy sauce. Too much honey can make it overly sweet, while too little can dull the flavor. Balance is key!
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference compared to pre-minced versions. It adds a vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish!
- Check the temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should hit 165°F (75°C) to be safe and juicy. If you’re unsure, it’s better to check early than to overcook!
- Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices, making every bite even more tender and flavorful.
- Don’t waste the sauce: Make sure to serve the chicken with plenty of that delicious honey garlic sauce. You can even thicken it up on the stove afterward by simmering it for a few minutes if you like it more concentrated!
- Tweak to your taste: Feel free to adjust the recipe to match your palate. Want it spicier? Add a dash of red pepper flakes! Prefer it sweeter? Just add a little more honey! Cooking is all about making it your own.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create an amazing dish that will wow your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to tweak this crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe! Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots right into the crock pot for extra nutrition and color. They’ll soak up that lovely sauce and become wonderfully tender!
- Herb It Up: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro for a fragrant touch. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the dish even more!
- Spice Level: If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce. It’ll give your chicken a delightful heat that balances perfectly with the sweetness.
- Different Proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts or even pork chops! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different meats can vary.
- Sweet Alternatives: Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a unique flavor twist. It gives the dish a lovely depth and a slightly different sweetness that’s equally delicious!
- Citrus Zing: A splash of orange or lime juice in the sauce can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing zing. It’s a simple way to change the vibe of the dish!
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Every variation is another opportunity to discover your new favorite version of this dish. Enjoy experimenting!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this honey garlic chicken recipe for another flavorful option!
Print
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Adjust honey for sweetness preference.
- Can use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crock pot honey garlic chicken thighs, chicken thighs recipe, crockpot chicken
