Description
This Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe combines sweet honey and savory garlic to create tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich, flavorful glaze. Perfect for hands-off cooking, this dish is budget-friendly, family-approved, and versatile enough to customize with herbs or vegetables. Slow cooking locks in moisture and nutrients, offering healthy comfort food ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar/lemon juice as substitute)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended to create the flavorful base for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to ensure crispier skin later. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on all sides of each thigh for balanced seasoning.
- Arrange in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin and caramelized sauce, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil under high heat for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning due to the sugar content in honey.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve crispier skin after cooking or broiling.
- Place chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and sauce coverage.
- Cook on low and avoid lifting the lid to retain moisture and enhance tenderness.
- Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor instead of garlic powder.
- Keep a close eye when broiling as honey sugars can burn quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, crockpot chicken thighs, healthy comfort food, gluten free chicken recipe