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- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) Using the right ingredients makes this dish shine. The chicken thighs give a rich flavor. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce gives depth. Garlic and ginger bring a nice zest. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang. Sesame oil lends a nutty touch. Black pepper and salt round out the flavors. If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch. Don't forget garnish! Green onions and sesame seeds make a pretty finish. Each part of the dish works together to create a meal you will love. To start, grab a medium bowl. Add in 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Next, add 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Pour in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix everything well. Whisk until it becomes smooth. This ensures that all the flavors blend together nicely. Now, take 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and place them in the slow cooker. Be sure to arrange them skin-side up. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure to cover each piece fully. This step is key because it helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. Cover your slow cooker with its lid. You can cook the chicken on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I recommend using the low setting for tender chicken. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. If you want a thicker sauce, carefully take the chicken out once it’s done. Place it on a plate. Pour the leftover sauce into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it boils gently. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk this into the boiling sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens to your liking. You can return the chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the thickened sauce. Alternatively, serve the chicken right away. Drizzle the sauce over each piece on the plate. For a nice touch, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Using a slow cooker for chicken is simple. Here are some best practices: - Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor. The bones add depth, and the skin keeps the meat moist. - Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker. Leave space for heat to circulate. This ensures even cooking. - Cook on low for best results. This method lets the flavors meld beautifully. To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken thighs. Let them soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight if time allows. This step infuses the chicken with rich honey garlic notes. You can add herbs and spices to elevate the dish: - Fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro work well. Add them right before serving for a fresh taste. - Chili flakes can spice things up. Start with a pinch and adjust based on your heat preference. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For saltiness, a splash of soy sauce can help. When it comes to serving, think about great pairings: - Serve these chicken thighs over fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the yummy sauce. - Steamed broccoli adds a vibrant, healthy touch. The green color contrasts well with the dish. For garnishing, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This not only adds flavor but also makes the plate look more inviting. A well-presented dish is always more enjoyable! {{image_4}} If you want to change the flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey. This swap gives a rich taste. You can also use agave nectar for a different sweet note. For soy sauce, consider tamari if you need a gluten-free option. It has a similar taste, keeping the dish flavorful. Coconut aminos is another great choice. It’s slightly sweeter and less salty, which many people enjoy. You can make this dish in an Instant Pot if you’re short on time. Pressure cooking takes about 10 minutes. Just follow the same marinade steps, then seal the pot and cook on high for 10 minutes, then let the steam release naturally. Oven-baking is also a simple method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil to let the skin crisp up for the last 15 minutes. If you love heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade. This kick will balance the sweetness of honey. You can also throw in some red pepper flakes if you want extra spice. For a bright twist, consider adding fresh lemon juice or zest. The citrus adds zest and freshness. Lime juice works well too, giving a different layer of flavor that brightens the dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can enjoy it for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save some for later, make sure it cools down first. Then, seal it well. To freeze the cooked chicken thighs, let them cool completely. Place them in freezer bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as you can. They will stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Just make sure to cover it to keep moisture in. You can easily add this dish to your weekly meals. Serve it with rice or veggies for a quick lunch. You can also shred the leftover chicken. Use it in tacos, salads, or sandwiches. It makes a great filling for wraps too. Think about mixing the chicken with some sautéed veggies for a stir-fry. The sweet and savory flavor works well in many dishes. Use your creativity to enjoy your leftovers in new ways! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. If you use boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time. Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This change helps keep your chicken tender and juicy. To add some heat, you have a few options. First, mix in red pepper flakes when you make the sauce. You can also use a spicy sauce like sriracha. If you want more flavor, add fresh chopped chili peppers. These options let you control the spice level to fit your taste. Honey garlic chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a filling meal. Steamed broccoli or green beans add a nice crunch and color. You can also try a simple salad for freshness. These sides enhance the dish while keeping it balanced. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh for the best reading. Trust the thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time. Yes, you can use apple cider or white vinegar instead of rice vinegar. Each type gives a unique flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note, while white vinegar is sharper. Adjust your other seasonings based on the vinegar you choose. This helps keep the balance of flavors just right. You now have a complete guide to making honey garlic chicken thighs. We covered ingredients, cooking methods, and even tips for storing leftovers. You can adjust the recipe to your taste or cooking style. Experiment with different flavors or cooking methods as you see fit. Enjoy this tasty dish with sides like jasmine rice or steamed broccoli. With practice, you'll become a pro at this recipe. Most importantly, have fun while cooking!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a mouthwatering honey garlic marinade, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and effortless prep, you can come home to a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (for enhanced flavor)

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

    Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin-side up. Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated to absorb all the flavors.

      Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

        Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set them aside on a plate. Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the boiling sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

          Serve the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the slow cooker to soak up the thickened sauce, or alternatively, drizzle the sauce directly over the chicken when plating.

            Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds generously over the chicken to add a fresh and vibrant touch.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an inviting dish, serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside vibrant steamed broccoli. Use a shallow bowl to beautifully showcase the glossy sauce, and add a few sprigs of extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and texture. Enjoy your delightful meal!