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Juicy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy Recipe

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This slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. With just 15 minutes of prep, you get tender, juicy chicken in a thick, glossy, sweet-savory sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (113g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 6 large cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and tomato paste until smooth.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure all the chicken is coated.
  3. Sprinkle half of the minced garlic over the chicken. Reserve the other half for later.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
  5. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a cutting board or bowl. Shred with two forks if desired, or leave whole.
  6. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the hot liquid. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  7. Stir in the honey and the reserved minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly. Drizzle with sesame oil if using.
  9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Do not add honey at the beginning of cooking; it can burn or thin out. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a thick, glossy sauce. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken thighs, easy slow cooker chicken, sticky chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, meal prep chicken

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/juicy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe/