Description
Simmering with tantalizing honey garlic slow cooker chicken thighs, this dish promises a flavor explosion that melts in your mouth. Succulent chicken infused with sweet and savory notes will transport you to culinary bliss, making dinner an irresistible experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Sauce Thickener (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Carefully season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces. Create a robust flavor foundation by quickly searing the meat in a skillet with heated olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in delectable juices.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly blended, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Strategically arrange seared chicken thighs inside the slow cooker, then generously pour the prepared sauce over the meat. Confirm each piece is completely coated, guaranteeing maximum flavor absorption during cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. Monitor until meat becomes exceptionally tender and fully cooked, practically falling apart with minimal pressure.
- For a more luxurious sauce consistency, separate chicken temporarily and create a quick cornstarch slurry. Incorporate the mixture into remaining cooking liquid, allowing it to thicken for approximately 10-15 minutes on high setting.
- Reunite chicken with enriched sauce, ensuring each piece receives a glossy, flavorful coating. Plate over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or vibrant steamed vegetables. Elevate presentation by sprinkling fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Sear chicken thighs before slow cooking to lock in deep, rich flavors and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
- Sauce Flexibility: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, making the dish adaptable to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Spice Control: Modify red pepper flakes quantity to create mild or spicy versions, perfect for families with different heat tolerance levels.
- Healthier Alternatives: Swap honey with maple syrup for lower glycemic index or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without compromising delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 68
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 286 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg