There’s something incredibly comforting about a home-cooked meal, and when it comes to comfort food, my honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot truly hit the spot. I love how this recipe fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that make everyone feel right at home. Plus, using a crock pot means I can set it and forget it—perfect for those busy days when I want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just imagine coming home after a long day to find tender, juicy chicken waiting for you, all infused with the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the stomach but also warms the heart. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your home, making meal times not just easier, but a whole lot more enjoyable!

Ingredients List

To make my delicious honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a big flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

These ingredients work together beautifully, creating a sweet and savory glaze that clings to the juicy chicken. And don’t hesitate to get creative! If you have some veggies on hand, adding carrots or bell peppers can boost the nutrition and make this dish even heartier. I love how flexible this recipe is, allowing you to cater to your taste and what you have in your pantry.

How to Prepare Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot

Now, let’s get cooking! Preparing these honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you do it:

1. Start by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer for even cooking. If you have skin-on thighs, that skin will get nice and crispy at the edges, adding extra flavor!
2. In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This mixture is where the magic happens, so give it a good stir!
3. Pour this delicious sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. You want every piece to soak up that sweet and savory goodness.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it really helps to enhance the flavors!
5. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. For tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, cook on low for about 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will do the trick in about 3 hours. Just be sure to check it around the 2.5-hour mark if you’re on high, as cooking times can vary.
6. When the cooking time is up, check that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is a great time to use it!
7. Once it’s ready, you can garnish it with sliced green onions for a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor if you’d like. Serve it warm and enjoy the amazing aroma that fills your kitchen!

And there you have it! A wonderfully easy recipe that lets your crock pot do the heavy lifting, while you focus on enjoying a comforting meal with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow—just toss the ingredients in the crock pot and let it do all the work for you!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that makes every bite a delight.
• Comfort Food: There’s nothing like coming home to the comforting aroma of honey garlic chicken wafting through your kitchen, making it feel warm and inviting.
• Perfect for Busy Days: With the crock pot, you can prepare this meal in the morning and have it ready by dinner time, freeing you up for other tasks.
• Versatile: Feel free to add vegetables or swap chicken thighs for breasts, making it adaptable to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Cleanup is a Breeze: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Trust me, once you experience the ease and comfort this honey garlic chicken thighs recipe brings, it’ll become a staple in your weekly menu. It’s just that good!

Tips for Success

To make sure your honey garlic chicken thighs turn out perfectly, I’ve gathered some handy tips that will help you every step of the way. With just a little attention, you can achieve mouthwatering results!

• Cooking Time: If you can, try to stick to the low setting for the full 6 hours. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become wonderfully tender. If you’re short on time, the high setting works, but keep an eye on it—check for doneness around the 2.5 to 3-hour mark.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into a thigh; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the chicken thighs are in a single layer in the crock pot. If they’re stacked on top of each other, they might not cook evenly, and some pieces could end up undercooked. Give them space to soak up all that delicious sauce!
• Flavor Enhancement: For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey-soy mixture for a couple of hours before cooking. This is especially great if you have the time; it really intensifies the taste!
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even juicier and more flavorful.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, after the chicken is done, you can transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it reduces to your desired consistency. Just stir occasionally to avoid burning.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a comforting and delicious meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Making my honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot is wonderfully flexible, and there are plenty of ways to adapt it to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are some great substitutions you can consider:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness, you can easily swap them out for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook a bit faster and could dry out if overcooked, so check for doneness a little earlier.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari sauce. Tamari has a similar flavor profile and works beautifully in this recipe, ensuring you won’t miss out on that delicious umami taste.
• Honey Alternatives: For those who need to reduce sugar or want to avoid honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. These alternatives will still provide that lovely sweetness, though the flavor will vary slightly.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to toss in vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli into the crock pot with the chicken. They not only add nutrition but also soak up the flavorful sauce, enhancing the dish even more. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
• Fresh Garlic vs. Powdered Garlic: While I recommend using fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Just remember that fresh garlic offers a more robust taste!

These substitutions can help you tailor the recipe to your liking while still keeping that comforting essence of honey garlic chicken. So feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing and reheating your delicious honey garlic chicken thighs is easy and ensures you can enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first meal! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Storing Leftovers: After your meal, let any leftover chicken cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend labeling the container with the date, so you’ll know when to enjoy it by!
• Freezing for Later: If you want to keep the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips: When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options, depending on your preference:

• Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat it in 30-second intervals, checking frequently until it’s warmed through. This method is quick but can sometimes make the chicken slightly dry, so keep an eye on it!
• Oven: If you have a bit more time, reheating in the oven is a great way to keep the chicken juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This method also helps to re-crisp the skin if you’re using skin-on thighs!

With these storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy your honey garlic chicken thighs again, savoring the comforting flavors all over again. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a comforting dish like honey garlic chicken thighs in the crock pot, it’s nice to know the nutritional benefits too! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 1 chicken thigh):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 500mg

These values are estimates based on standard ingredients used in this recipe. Keep in mind that depending on the specific brands and quantities you use, these numbers may vary slightly. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your meal knowing you’re treating yourself to a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but I recommend thawing them first for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook them from frozen, but you’ll need to add about an hour to the cooking time on low, so they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. I often add a side of broccoli or green beans to round it out!

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just pour the mixture over the chicken in the morning, and let the crock pot do its magic while you go about your day!

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. While it won’t have the same nutty flavor, it will still work well with the honey and soy sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into the thickest part of the thigh; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in Crock Pot: 7 Comforting Steps

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

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Description

A comforting honey garlic chicken thighs recipe made in a crock pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Check that chicken is cooked through before serving.
7. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
• Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Crock Pot
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken thighs, crock pot recipes, easy chicken recipes