Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker honey garlic chicken thigh recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a deliciously sticky glaze. It’s a hands-off dish that yields satisfying results every time.

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 2.5 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold unsalted butter)
• 1/3 cup honey (such as Nature Nate’s raw honey)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp mustard (Dijon recommended for a tangier flavor)
• 2 tsp freshly minced garlic (about 1/8-inch pieces)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 3 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper evenly on all sides.
2. Step 2: Heat the avocado oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, mustard, minced garlic, and ground ginger until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Cook on low for 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Step 6: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to enrich the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
7. Step 7: Serve the chicken thighs with the sauce spooned over rice or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking before adding butter.
• Substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.
• Add sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish and added flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out. The sauce will thicken upon refrigeration, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and food safety. If using frozen, cook on high for a longer time, but check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement the sweet-savory flavors nicely.

Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

Tender and flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfectly balanced with mustard, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. This comforting and easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights and sure to be a family favorite.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lb chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2.5 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold unsalted butter)

Sauce

• 1/3 cup honey (Nature Nate’s raw honey recommended)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced into 1/8-inch pieces
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 3 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into uniform 2-inch pieces. Season the chicken pieces thoroughly with 2.5 teaspoons of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken pieces just until they are golden brown on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch, to lock in juices and add depth of flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger until well combined.
4. Add Sauce and Butter: Pour the mixed sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Dot with 3 tablespoons of butter evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce to enrich the flavor and create a luscious texture.
5. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for approximately 3 hours or until the chicken is tender, cooked through, and infused with the honey garlic flavor.
6. Serve: Once cooked, carefully stir the dish to combine any separated butter and sauce. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Adjust the amount of honey to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• Serve garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added flair.
• This recipe can be doubled or halved easily depending on the number of servings needed.

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