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Easy Tender Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe for tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ⅓ cup honey (113 g)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
  • ⅓ cup water (80 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
  • 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Pat 3 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ⅓ cup water, minced garlic cloves, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. (5 minutes)
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the crockpot. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top, turning the thighs gently to coat if needed. (5 minutes)
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred with a fork. (6 hours)
  5. Remove the chicken thighs and set aside. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce in the crockpot, then turn to high heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened. (15 minutes)
  6. Return the chicken thighs to the crockpot and spoon the thickened sauce over them. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Drying the chicken before cooking helps the sauce stick better. Searing the chicken skin before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor and texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free ketchup. To thicken sauce without cornstarch, simmer uncovered longer or use arrowroot powder. Cooking on high for 3-4 hours is possible but yields less tender meat. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, chicken thighs, comfort food, honey garlic sauce

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-tender-crockpot-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/